Lawmakers clash over Iraq war strategy

WASHINGTON – For the first time since the United States invaded Iraq three years ago, Republican leaders on Thursday officially convened a full-scale debate over the war – an effort that they hoped would showcase the increasingly divergent positions of the two parties and that wound up unleashing fierce passions and acrimony on both sides.

Democrats denounced the debate in the House of Representatives as a “sham,” objecting to Republicans’ characterization of debate on a nonbinding resolution on the war as a choice between “staying the course” and “cutting and running.”

Republicans accused Democrats of indecision and division, repeatedly equating talk of withdrawal with “retreat.”

“Members, this is not the time to go wobbly. Let’s give victory a chance,” proclaimed Rep. Gil Gutknecht, R-Minn.

“This side is not trying to go wobbly,” countered Rep. Jane Harman of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. “We’re trying to articulate what we think would be a better strategy for success in Iraq.”

The rancor spilled over to the Senate, where Republican leaders forced a test vote on the idea of withdrawal in an effort to fan divisions among Democrats. The measure failed 93-6.

“This sends a good message that the U.S. Senate overwhelming opposes a cut-and-run strategy in Iraq,” said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

The long-postponed debate on Iraq comes four months before the midterm congressional elections.