The Future of American Involvement in Iraq

When the 110th Congress convenes in January it will face a daunting challenge in Iraq. Much of this year's election was dominated by arguments in favor of "staying the course" in Iraq or redeploying troops away from the region. Campaign rhetoric aside, the escalating violence and sectarian divide within Iraq presents no easy solutions.

Iraq Forum Participants

Members of the public were invited to participate in this town hall discussion along with other concerned citizens, foreign policy experts, and MPR journalists. Morning Edition's Cathy Wurzer facilitated the discussion and encouraged participants to relate their own impressions of the war and how they would advise their representatives to approach the future of American involvement in Iraq.

Panelists:

Brian Atwood, dean of the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Dean Atwood served for six years as administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development during the Clinton Administration.

Michael Barnett, Harold Stassen Chair of International Relations at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.

Robert Delahunty, associate professor at University of St. Thomas School of Law and a former deputy general counsel at the White House Office of Homeland Security.

Tate Doom, state commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.

Colonel Neal Loidolt, former deputy director of operations in the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office in Baghdad. Colonel Loidolt is now chief of staff of the National Guard Infantry Division based in Rosemount.

John Radsan, founder and director of the National Security Forum and associate professor at William Mitchell College of Law. Mr. Radsan served as a federal prosecutor and an assistant general counsel at the CIA.