The return of the ISG

Back in 2004, I posted a number of blog entries noting Republicans who had abandoned George W. Bush. Occasionally, I've updated the series. Most of those I noted who were criticizing Bush were former executive branch officials from the Nixon, Ford, Reagan or Bush I administrations who did/do not serve in elective office.

Today, however, make note of the handful of Republican Senators who are calling for implementation of Iraq Study Group recommendations about Iraq: Lamar Alexander (TN), Robert Bennett (UT), Judd Gregg (NH), and Susan Collins (ME). Olympia Snowe (ME) is also giving it some serious thought.

Their message seems pretty clear to me. These Republicans are warning Bush that U.S. Iraq policy needs to change.

``The president needs bipartisan support if the United States is to sustain a long-term position in Iraq,'' said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn...

``What we have here, hopefully, is a roadmap for consensus,'' said Gregg. ``That's what we need.''

Bennett called the proposal ``a nudge'' for the president.

As noted in the AP article linked above, the ISG would shift the U.S. mission from fighting and securing Iraq to training Iraqis -- and then sending most troops home by early 2008.

It doesn't take a genius to foresee another Republican electoral train wreck if U.S. troops are still "surging" in Iraq this time next year.


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