Mitchell opposes war escalation, doesn't support immediate withdrawal

From AZCentral's Plugged In, here's Congressman Harry Mitchell's address on the President's escalation / troop surge in Iraq. In his address, Mitchell doesn't expect the escalation to work, argues for more political and econimic involvement, but doesn't support immediate withdrawal.

..."Now the Administration is engaging in a military escalation of the war. They tried this strategy before, and it didn't work.

"It didn't work because we need more than a military strategy. We need political and economic solutions too.

..."I disagree with many of my colleagues in this chamber who support the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops.

"We have heard from too many generals - including those who have spoken out against this escalation - about the dangers of even more violence and instability in the Middle East if we simply withdraw.

"I do believe American troops have a role in Iraq - a supporting role. They should continue to train Iraqi soldiers, and their mission must ultimately be to put the Iraqis in charge of their own security and stability. But let me be clear: American troops have no place in the middle of a civil war.

This position is in line with a majority of Americans as recently polled, where a majority not only oppose the escalation, but also don't want to see an immediate withdrawal.

The majority of Congress, including most Dems, are not calling for an immediate withdrawal, in any event, but instead favor a reasonable, phased redeployment to support roles and an over-the-horizon presence over the coming months.