Ex-US Sen. Cleland urges new strategy on Iraq (Reuters)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States needs to either develop a new strategy for winning the war in Iraq or one that would bring American troops home, former Democratic Sen. Max Cleland said on Friday.

"The Bush administration's plan for victory is not working," said Cleland, who lost three limbs in the Vietnam War and worked for unsuccessful Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry in 2004.

In remarks prepared for Saturday's weekly Democratic radio address, which follows Bush's broadcast message, Cleland blamed Bush for ignoring military planners who called for a larger U.S. combat force to win the war in Iraq and then secure the country.

"The Bush administration needs to step up to the plate. It's time to face the truth. It's time for a strategy to win in Iraq or a strategy to get out," said Cleland, who lost his Senate seat from Georgia in 2002.

Bush has rejected ideas floating in Congress to set a date for the withdrawal of American troops in Iraq, saying it would only encourage insurgents who have waged a bloody campaign with suicide bombers and roadside exploding devices.

More than 1,850 American troops have been killed in Iraq and thousands more wounded. With the U.S. war in Iraq now in its third year, public opinion polls show growing impatience with the combat and pessimism that the United States can win.

Cleland said the war has "completely overextended" the all-volunteer military.

"I learned in Vietnam that the best way to support our 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," Cleland said.

I agreed Max. Get a overwhelming U.S. force to deal with insurgency and secure the borders. Or, get out now!

Semper Fi