Thursday, June 22, 2006
Cheney: Iraq pullout 'worst possible thing we could do'


"History will judge this president as a very successful, very effective leader," Cheney said.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Vice President Dick Cheney criticized Democratic efforts calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, predicting that such an act would still leave the United States vulnerable to terrorists. (Full story)

"The worst possible thing we could do is what the Democrats are suggesting," Cheney told CNN. "And no matter how you carve it -- you can call it anything you want -- but basically, it is packing it in, going home, persuading and convincing and validating the theory that the Americans don't have the stomach for this fight." (Watch the interview at 7 p.m. on CNN's "The Situation Room")

Some Democrats have advocated an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Others have pushed for a phased troop withdrawal. On Thursday, the Senate rejected two such Democratic efforts. (Full story)

"If we pull out, they'll follow us," Cheney said of terrorists. "It doesn't matter where we go. ... And it will continue -- whether we complete the job or not in Iraq -- only it'll get worse. Iraq will become a safe haven for terrorists. They'll use it in order to launch attacks against our friends and allies in that part of the world."

Cheney also spoke about the possibility that North Korea will carry out a missile test. U.S. and South Korean officials issued warmings, along with Japan and Australia, after saying earlier this month that they believed a North Korean Taepodong-2 missile was being fueled and readied for a test.

"I think, at this stage, we are addressing the issue in the proper fashion," said Cheney.
Posted By CNN's Washington Bureau: 6/22/2006 12:43:00 PM ET | Permalink
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