Panel works on solution to Iraq woes

WASHINGTON. When it comes to finding a way out of the current Iraq quagmire, Connecticut lawmakers hope that an independent panel of Washington's wisest sages will pave the way.

Democratic victories in the recent midterm elections have been widely interpreted by politicians as a condemnation of the current Iraq policy. But, there are no easy answers. That's where the Iraq Study Group comes in.

The bipartisan panel of Washington power brokers is expected to issue a report by the end of the year that will include recommendations for change in Iraq. Connecticut lawmakers believe it may provide a rallying point for Democrats and Republicans to reach a consensus on Iraq. "Iraq, even now, is not past salvaging, if we right our course immediately," said Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

The Iraq Study Group was organized in March and is co-chaired by former Secretary of State James Baker, a Republican, and former 9/11 Commissioner Lee Hamilton, a Democrat. There are 10 members -- five Democrats and five Republicans.

Its origins can be traced to Rep. Christopher Shays' 11th trip to Iraq. After returning from that trip in late 2005, Shays, R-4, and Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., sent a letter to President Bush urging him to appoint an independent panel to bring "fresh eyes" on Iraq.

"We felt that people can lock into their positions so this brings people from the outside to look at it. I think it will prove very helpful," Shays said.

For example, he said, that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had backed himself into a corner on troop levels in Iraq. While the initial numbers may have been correct at the start of the war, more American troops were obviously needed as it continued.

"It is an attempt to really have a fresh look on this very important issue," Shays said.

The president did not take them up on the recommendation, but they found willing partners among Washington's plethora of public policy groups. Congress provided the group $1.3 million.

Dodd said that the Iraq Study Group has brought together some of America's best foreign policy minds to chart a new course.

"Their group of experts is striving diligently to find consensus on a set of policy recommendations to put before the president and the Congress of the United States. It is painful work, but it is necessary work," Dodd said.

Other members include former U.S. Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger, who was a late addition to the panel, replacing Robert Gates who resigned after Bush nominated him to be secretary of defense to replace Rumsfeld.

Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., said that voters are "clearly unhappy" with the current Iraq policy but he does not believe they support an immediate withdrawal.

"Between the status quo and pulling out is a broad middle ground," he said. Lieberman hopes the group will offer recommendations that Republicans and Democrats can rally around.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, said she welcomes any suggestions from the Iraq Study Group.

"We cannot continue to stay the course in Iraq," she said.

DeLauro said the panel has become a focal point for change since the midterm elections signaled that the American people want change.

"It is taking on a life of its own," she said. Rep. John Larson, D-1, said that the report could provide a "great opportunity" for a new course in Iraq, as long as it is not used to paper over current policy. "I am hopeful we can have a substantive new direction in Iraq that allows us to withdraw troops in a manner that doesn't totally abandon the hopes and aspirations of the Iraqi people," Larson said.

Shays and Lieberman both said that there is a window of opportunity now for Republicans and Democrats to work together on an Iraq policy before partisan politics returns in advance of the 2008 presidential election.

The Iraq Study Group was in Washington last week to wrap up its interviews with policy leaders.

Bush met with the group for more than an hour last week and said afterward that he is open to new ideas, although "the best military options depend upon the conditions on the ground. "I'm not sure what the report is going to say," Bush said. "I'm looking forward to seeing it."

Kevin Buterbaugh, an associate professor of political science at Southern Connecticut State University, said Bush appears willing to listen to the group's recommendations to a point.

"He has two years left in his term and he is not up for re-election, so he has little incentive to change direction," Buterbaugh said.

Moreover, he said, if Bush did, it would signal defeat for him.

"He is highly committed to winning in Iraq," Buterbaugh said.

Although the commission has yet to draft its recommendations, there already is plenty of speculation about what will come forward.

Rumors are that they will recommend negotiating with neighboring countries to find a way to stabilize Iraq, suggest splitting Iraq into three separate nations, or promote an increase in troop strength. None of these ideas is likely to be quickly embraced.

Dodd conceded that reaching consensus on an Iraq strategy may be difficult.

"If there were any easy solutions we would have discovered them by now." Dodd said. "It may be that members of the Baker-Hamilton commission will not be able to arrive at a consensus. "I hope that is not the case. But I have no doubt that their efforts are taking place in a constructive and bipartisan spirit and we here should do everything we can to follow their example in the weeks and months ahead."