Bush ally seeks end in Iraq

As insurgents continue to cause instability in Iraq, some members of North Carolina’s delegation in Washington are reconsidering their opinions on the issue.

U.S. Rep. Howard Coble, R-N.C., an ally of President Bush, is calling for the president and Congress to take a closer look at the post-invasion situation.

“He voted for the war and is still very proud of that vote,” said Ed McDonald, Coble’s chief of staff. “(He) was assured that, yes, we have firm plans in place once Saddam (Hussein) was removed and, in his mind, that is not the case. … He feels like there hasn’t been a coherent post-invasion strategy.”

One of the major things Coble would like to hear during this legislative session is dialogue about when the removal of American troops can begin. He supports a gradual shift of power to the Iraqis when they are able to handle it, McDonald said.

“He wouldn’t even want to discuss pulling out troops prior to (the Iraqi) election,” McDonald said.

But Coble’s criticism is not solely directed toward the Bush administration.

“He cites all the examples that happened under Clinton’s watch,” McDonald said, including the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and the attack on the USS Cole.

On the other side of the issue is U.S. Rep. David Price, D-N.C.

“I think that resolution (to give the president the power to invade Iraq), which was totally open-ended, was irresponsible,” Price said. “I voted against it.”

He stands by his vote but said, “I certainly think we just can’t cut it and run.”

Like Coble, Price has concerns about the amount of planning that went into post-invasion operations.

“I think there was a very deficient post-war plan,” Price said. He said greater international involvement would expedite the process of rebuilding.

He also noted that handing more power to the Iraqi military would be a step in the right direction, something Coble also stressed.

The myriad views held by North Carolina’s representatives are a microcosm of those held in Washington.

McDonald said Coble wants the legislative body to start talking about a plan to bring U.S. troops home.

“We ought to start talking about when we can turn it over to the Iraqis,” McDonald said.

Freshman U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., also will bring her views to the table in deciding what course of action to pursue in post-war Iraq.

“Foxx has always stood firmly with President Bush and with the troops in the war on terror,” said Amy Auth, a spokeswoman for Foxx.

In regards to future legislation on Iraq, Auth said Foxx would support any bills seeking to allocate more funds to the troops, so long as the context of the bill reflected her ideals.

Price said that no matter how amicable the discussion, implementing a decisive plan to finish the rebuilding of Iraq will not come easy.

“It’s going to be a tough road ahead.”

Contact the State & National Editor at stntdesk@unc.edu.