Edwards hits at the heart of the issue the Bush Administration is attempting to protect --permanent occupation requires permanent bases. Abandon permanent bases and bring the combat troops home will END THIS WAR, and force the Iraqis, the regional powers and the UN to step in and create a political solution.
http://tpmelectioncentral.com/2007/11/edwards_no_permanent_bases_and_the_pols_in_washington_are_enabling_it.phpEdwards: No Permanent Bases — And The Pols In Washington Are To Blame
By Eric Kleefeld - November 27, 2007, 6:36PM
John Edwards has responded to TPM's report that the Bush Administration is planning to have permanent American military bases in Iraq:
"President Bush's announcement of new 'principles' for an agreement with the Maliki government in Iraq is further proof that despite talking about a withdrawal, Bush is planning to pursue a 'Korea-style' American occupation of Iraq for 10 years or more. Our goal in Iraq should be to get the Sunni and Shia to come to their own political solution with a diplomatic offensive, not keep propping them up with American combat troops that are already stretched too thin. We need an immediate withdrawal of 40-50,000 troops and a complete withdrawal within 9-10 months. By failing to stand up to George Bush and by proposing Iraq plans that would leave combat troops to fight missions based in Iraq, the politicians in Washington are enabling George Bush to sustain the occupation of Iraq."
Edwards was previously on the record opposing permanent bases.