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Clark wants 'basic' answers for Iraq

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Retired U.S. Army Gen. Wesley Clark called on President Bush Saturday to answer a series of "basic questions" about when U.S. forces can withdraw from Iraq.

Clark, who briefly sought the 2004 Democratic Party nomination for president, delivered the Democrats' weekly radio address, saying that to leave Iraq prematurely would be a mistake that would only reward and embolden those who would use terror in Iraq.

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But, he said it is time for "basic questions" -- such as how many Iraqi forces need to be capable before a U.S. withdrawal; how can Iraq's neighbors be made "part of the solution, instead of a source of problems inside Iraq; and what is the strategy for dealing with insurgents.

"Staying the course is not a strategy, it is just a slogan," Clark said. "What we need to do is change the course and put in place a real strategy that will not only bring us success in Iraq, but will restore to the United States of America the moral authority we've lost through our missteps over the past three years."

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