“The right strategy before the surge and post-escalation is the same: Start bringing home America’s troops now,” Clinton said in Iowa. “We have heard for years now that as the Iraqis stand up, our troops will stand down. Every year, we hear about how next year they may start coming home. Now we are hearing a new version of that yet again from the president as he has more troops in Iraq than ever and the Iraqi government is more fractured and ineffective than ever.”


Clinton promised to initiate phased redeployment as soon as she takes office. However, as part of her plan, specialized forces would remain to fight terrorists.

With the absence of U.S. troops, the senator hopes to stabilize the country by focusing on aid efforts that put money in the hands of the Iraqi people.

In addition, Clinton plans to bring together U.S. allies, global powers and Iraq’s neighbors to stabilize the country.