Brownback, Biden reject Iraq status quo

[PatSeg]

From the Wichita Eagle:

<Most observers agree: Ending the Iraq war and stabilizing the country will require a political -- not military -- solution. That's why the Iraq partition plan being presented today in Iowa by Sens. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and Joseph Biden, D-Del., is so significant.

In a presidential campaign largely devoid of new ideas on Iraq, candidates Biden and Brownback have offered a bold, serious proposal for achieving political reconciliation -- not just in Iraq but at home, too.>

snip

<Against this backdrop, the U.S. Senate two weeks ago endorsed the plan in a nonbinding vote -- a remarkable expression of bipartisan support for a new political strategy in Iraq.

The Bush administration has strongly opposed it, though, saying it could invite more civil chaos and bloodshed as well as the intervention of neighboring states such as Iran.>

snip

<Biden and Brownback deserve credit for rejecting the failed status quo in Iraq and highlighting the need for a political solution. In an Iraq debate bogged down along partisan lines, they are showing that Democrats and Republicans can work together to find common ground.

If that's possible, maybe there's hope for Iraq's squabbling politicians>


More at: http://www.kansas.com/611/story/198431.html

[mmonk]

1. If it can get serious negotiation between the parties,

that's much more than can be produced by current trajectory of policy.

[jillan]

2. I hope their joint campaign event today will get some media coverage.

Is this a first in the history of the US, to have 2 candidates from opposite parties campaign together?

[gateley]

3. We need to start the next step on this and begin working with the Iraqi leaders

of the different regions/sects. We need to see if this is indeed viable - they are right on about the "failed status quo". Obviously.

[lyonn]

4. This is very similar to the story in the Boston Globe

I just posted on another site. It came to me from an e-mail from Biden's campaign. This is like watching the tide come in. It's slow but you know it is coming in. This is what is occurring with the Biden campaign. He makes all kinds of sense, it's just that the story is slow getting to the people.

[jillan]

5. Pics ---->

[rucky]

6. He has a stronger stomach than I

a road-show with Brownback. eesh.

[PatSeg]

9. Great pictures

This is truly groundbreaking. Hopefully the MSM realizes they are making history and that it is more important than Brittany.

[ginchinchili]

7. Iraq wouldn't be the only status quo Joe Biden does away with

The fact that Joe Biden can get a guy like Sam Brownback to lend his name to a proposal that runs contrary to Bush's set-in-stone Iraq approach speaks volumes about Biden's negotiating skills and his ability to get things done with Republicans. You're seeing a guy who would stay true to his Democratic principles and still attract independent and moderate Republican voters. If people are serious about putting our country first, Joe Biden will be the Democratic nominee.

[PatSeg]

8. In that sense he is an old school statesman

He came into the senate at a time when members of both parties could disagree vehemently on just about everything, but still maintain cordial relations, and even enduring friendships. Those relationships were often necessary when compromise was necessary and now it is vital when it comes to Iraq. The war is hurting both parties and the republicans know they stand to lose everything if they don't come up with some answers quickly.

Joe Biden knows how to cross the aisle without sacrificing his values and integrity.

[demommom]

10. kick