Is It Time to Leave Iraq?

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Since the US launched of the Iraq War, there have been opponents, from citizens on the street to leaders in Congress. But last week, when Pennsylvania's John Murtha, a Democrat who originally voted in favor of going to war, vehemently called for the withdrawal all troops within six months, he stirred a fresh firestorm of voices. While public opinion polls indicate that a growing number of people feel US presence in Iraq is fostering the escalation of insurgency fighting, supporters of President Bush fear Iraq will descend into utter chaos if we leave too soon and that it will become a haven for terrorists. Meantime, in Cairo yesterday, Iraqi leaders met to set their own timetable for a US withdrawal. Guest host Diana Nyad looks at the arguments for and against our continuing presence in Iraq. (An extended version of this segment aired earlier today on To the Point.)Making News:Coastal Commission to Limit Naval Sonar off California CoastThe Coastal Commission has voted unanimously to urge limits to the US Navy's use of sonar off the California coast. Marine mammals, dolphins and whales are reported going deaf and in some cases dying from the high-frequency sonar. The Navy claims there is no proof that any man-made sounds have a direct effect on marine mammals. Michael Jasny is the lead author of a National Resources Defense Council report on the effect of ocean noise on marine life.
Guest host Diana Nyad, 2002 inductee into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, is a business sports columnist for Marketplace, senior sports correspondent for Fox News, and has hosted her own show on CNBC. She's also the author of three books.

NRDC report, Sounding the Depths II

California Coastal Commission

Coastal Management Act of 1972

Rep Murtha-s call for American troop withdrawal

Senator Biden on Iraq

Iraqi factions seek timetable for American withdrawal, International Herald Tribune on

Secretary Wolfowitz-s 2003 interview with Vanity Fair

Credits

Host:
Warren Olney

Producer:
Frances Anderton