praxistheologia.com

Click the link below to see a comparison of Bush’s “new way forward” with the recommendations of his bipartisan Iraq study group. Simply put, the study group was ignored on virtually ever point. For instance:

DIPLOMACY

Bush: Do not engage in talks with Iran and Syria; intensify U.S. efforts to counter Iranian and Syrian influence in Iraq. Urge Arab states to support the Iraqi government. Increase U.S. military presence in the region and keep the United Nations active in Iraq.

Iraq Study Group: Launch a diplomatic offensive to quickly engage Syria, Iran and the leaders of insurgents in negotiations on Iraq’s future. Work toward resolving the long-standing Arab-Israeli conflict to ease hostility throughout the Middle East.

Comparison of Bush and Study Group Plans: