After visiting Iraq, Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM) comes out against a “surge”:
“We need a hard-nosed assessment of what we need, not what we wish,” Wilson said. “Sometimes I think our national objectives in Iraqâ including by our presidentâ are described in pretty broad terms.
“I want Iraqi people to live in a free and democratic society, but that’s not our military mission there … that’s an aspiration, that’s not a vital national interest for the United States.”
and:
âThe most important thing right now is for the U.S. to be very clear to ourselves and the American people about our vital national interest in Iraq and this means a hard-nosed assessment. I donât think we have that focus today. We need to modify our strategy and position.â
Wilson, who won re-election in a close race against Attorney General Patricia Madrid, was a staunch supporter of the Iraq War before her political life flashed in front of her eyes. Amazing how those who came close to losing re-election are now willing to buck the President. The prospect of defeat has a way of focusing the mind.
