Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, a frequent adviser to President George W. Bush, told the Los Angeles Times that democratic governance is currently beyond Iraq's reach and that the administration should consider prioritizing stability instead. Kissinger argued it would have been wiser to install a strong Iraqi leader immediately after the 2003 invasion rather than pursue elections.
Senator John McCain, a potential 2008 Republican presidential candidate, broke with the White House in a separate interview, saying US troops are sacrificing themselves for a failing policy. He nonetheless called for sending roughly 20,000 additional ground troops, arguing that withdrawal would invite further chaos.
Democrats, who won control of Congress earlier in November largely on voter frustration over Iraq, are themselves divided on next steps. Senator Carl Levin, set to chair the Armed Services Committee, urged a phased troop withdrawal within four to six months, saying the conflict requires a political rather than military solution.
Two parallel review processes are now underway. The bipartisan Iraq Study Group, co-chaired by former Secretary of State James Baker, is expected to publish recommendations the following month, including possible talks with Iran and Syria. The White House also launched its own internal strategy review after the elections, during which Bush acknowledged that errors may have been made.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in November 2006, in its own words.