Democrats must set new Iraq policy

Editor,

Democratic control of Congress brought about by last week's election represents a chance for positive change. This development is welcome news given the paralysis and bungling of the war effort in Iraq. The election offers hope that America will regain its senses after the emotional trauma of 9/11 and the abuses of power that have occurred since then.

Somehow America lost sight of universal values and self-restraint. Our military is an unwelcome and destabilizing force in the Middle East. Our reliance on torture and military force has caused unspeakable suffering for Iraqis.

It's time to remind ourselves that every nation has the right to protect itself from foreign invasion. American troops were never invited onto Iraqi soil by authentic or legitimate means. Insurgents targeted by American military are primarily Iraqi nationals fighting to expel an occupation army. In other places and times such militants would be called freedom fighters. President Reagan used this term to describe Mujahedeen fighting Soviet control of Afghanistan. Escalating violence in Iraq suggests a parallel situation now exists, at least in the eyes of most world citizens.

If America cannot find a legitimate reason for being in Iraq then it must leave. Controlling oil reserves is not an acceptable reason for staying in Iraq and allowing the violence to continue.

Even a Democratic Congress will need continuous prodding to force corrective action. Evidence of progress must include ending the use of torture, decreasing troop levels in the coming months, and criminal prosecution of those responsible for instigating this senseless war.

David Daniels

Berkeley, Calif.