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    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    The Looming Political Battle over Iraq

    Although Congressional Democrats failed to prevent President Bush's military surge in Iraq last year, they won a concession. They funded the increased deployments, but demanded that the administration report on the success of its operations by September 15. With that day of reckoning almost here, the political battle lines have been drawn.

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    KCRW placeholderBy Jim Sterngold • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

    Although Congressional Democrats failed to prevent President Bush's military surge in Iraq last year, they won a concession. They funded the increased deployments, but demanded that the administration report on the success of its operations by September 15. With that day of reckoning almost here, the political battle lines have been drawn. Many Democrats, and a growing number of Republicans, are demanding a withdrawal. The military is stretched to the breaking point, but terrorism remains a threat and the President says the surge needs more time. When General David Petreaus makes his report next week, Bush will face one of his toughest decisions since he launched the war: does the US stay or go? Can Bush continue to fight and still bring some troops home? Guest host Jim Sterngold explores the chaos of Iraq that's taking center stage in the chaotic political arena in Washington.

    The full episode

    2 of 3
    Has Time Run Out on President Bush's Surge in Iraq?
    1. 1:47Germans Foil Alleged Chemical Attack on US Interests
    2. 7:36The Looming Political Battle over IraqYou’re reading this
    3. 41:33Serena Williams Bad Sport over Loss at US Open
    • KCRW placeholder

      Jim Sterngold

      Wall Street Journal

    • KCRW placeholder

      Christian Bordal

      Managing Producer, Greater LA

    • KCRW placeholder

      Dan Konecky

      Producer, To the Point

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Frances Anderton

      architecture critic and author

    • KCRW placeholder

      Doyle McManus

      Los Angeles Times

    • KCRW placeholder

      Andrew Kohut

      Pew Research Center

    • KCRW placeholder

      Larry Kaplow

      Baghdad Correspondent for Newsweek

      NewsNationalPolitics

    The full episode

    2 of 3
    Has Time Run Out on President Bush's Surge in Iraq?
    1. 1:47Germans Foil Alleged Chemical Attack on US Interests
    2. 7:36The Looming Political Battle over IraqYou’re reading this
    3. 41:33Serena Williams Bad Sport over Loss at US Open
    Back to To the Point