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Democrats Assail Bush's Iraq Comparison With Vietnam

August 23, 2007 -- Leaders from the opposition Democratic Party in the United States are criticizing President George W. Bush's assertion that an early withdrawal from Iraq could trigger a bloodbath like the one in Southeast Asia after the U.S. retreat from Vietnam.

Bush made his remarks during a speech August 22 to U.S. military veterans.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid dismissed Bush's position, saying a change of course in Iraq was "long overdue." He said Bush's strategy was "failing to deliver the political solution necessary for Iraq's stability."

Senator John Kerry, a Vietnam veteran who lost to Bush in the 2004 presidential race, urged Bush to "change course now" in Iraq. He said Bush was oversimplifying the differences with Vietnam and overlooking what he called the "tragic similarities."

Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said there was no military solution to Iraq's problems.

He called for increased diplomacy and humanitarian efforts in the region, as well as a "phased withdrawal" of U.S. forces so that pressure is placed on the Iraqi government to act.

In the same speech, Bush reiterated his support for Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, one day after Bush cited "frustration" with his government's inability to produce results.

But Bush said it was up to the Iraqi people to decide if al-Maliki remains in his job.

(compiled from agency reports)

Copyright (c) 2007. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org