Cleland blasts Bush Iraq record

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, D-Ga., claimed President Bush has no strategy for the war in Iraq except a path to "disaster."

Cleland, in remarks prepared for a radio address said, "The Bush administration's plan for victory (in Iraq) is not working."

The Democratic National Committee made a transcript of Cleland's address available Friday. The radio broadcast was set for Saturday.

Cleland, who lost three limbs while fighting in the Vietnam War, was a very visible part of the 2004 presidential campaign of Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., and a consistent critic of the Bush Iraq war strategy.

His comments released Friday show that hasn't changed. He alleged that Bush ignored advice of top military personnel.

"We are running out of time," Cleland said. "We need a strategy to win in Iraq or an exit strategy to leave. The present course will lead us to disaster."

Cleland, however, offered no ideas on a way out of Iraq other than: "I learned in Vietnam that the best way to support out troops is to either give them the forces and equipment needed to win or bring them home so we can care for those who have borne the battle."