Schwartz finds
optimism in Iraq

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

On her recent trip to Iraq, U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz met soldiers who weren’t thrilled about extended stays and were cautious in discussing the danger of their mission.
At the same time, she sensed a general positive outlook among the troops.
"They were hopeful," she said. "They know it’s a long process, but they felt good about what they’re doing and that they’re making progress."
Schwartz (D-13th dist.) spent about 48 hours in Iraq during an overseas trip that lasted from March 1 to 5. She was also in Jordan for a day.
Rep. Loretta Sanchez, a California Democrat who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, organized the trip. Others accompanying her were fellow female Democratic Reps. Hilda Solis (California), Nancy Boyda (Kansas) and Carol Shea-Porter (New Hampshire).
The group visited Camp Victory, the headquarters for the U.S. military, and spent time in the so-called Green Zone, which is the heavily guarded area of central Baghdad where troops have closed off the streets.
There, they met Army Gen. David Petraeus, head of U.S. military operations. Schwartz heard Petraeus say that Iraqis need to take more control of their security, adding that the general understands that the U.S. military needs a new strategy to go along with the surge of new troops.
"He was very impressive," Schwartz said.
The lawmakers met with U.S. embassy staff and enjoyed two lunches and a dinner with the troops.
Schwartz told the troops that Americans support and admire them and that Congress would continue to fund their mission. Local soldiers were delighted when she distributed Phillies items.
"We should all be very, very proud of the dedication, skill and patriotism of our troops," she said.
The congressional delegation also met with two members of Iraq’s parliament, one a Shia and the other a Sunni, as well as members of non-profit groups and an attorney who works for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Schwartz wants al-Maliki to bring warring factions together and speed up the training of Iraqi troops.
"They’ve got to step up and produce the battalions they promised," she said.
This week, the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a funding package for the war. The measure is also expected to include language pressuring President George W. Bush to force the Iraq government to meet certain benchmarks showing that it is building the size of its army.
Schwartz said there are "very active discussions" in the Democratic caucus among members who want the United States out of Iraq immediately and others who want a more deliberate approach.
The congresswoman opposed Bush’s surge of troops and wants the soldiers home, but she opposes setting a certain date. She wants a "responsible" end to the war — one that leaves a stable Iraqi government.
Looking back on her trip, Schwartz wants America to increase its political and diplomatic efforts to win peace in the Middle East.
"We’re not going to win this war militarily," she said. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com