Washington – Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., one of the most stalwart supporters of the war in Iraq, said Thursday that he might propose that the Iraqi government meet certain benchmarks for the United States to continue its engagement.
Fellow senators and independent political scientists said McCain’s thinking reflected growing concerns within the Republican Party about the course of the war, and also might mark a turning point for the likely 2008 presidential contender, whose previous unconditional backing of the war may have hurt his prospects.
McCain said Thursday that he hadn’t yet decided on precise benchmarks.
“They’d have to be specific, and they (the Iraqi government) would have to meet them.”
Asked what penalty would be imposed if Iraq failed to meet his benchmarks, he said: “I think everybody knows the consequences. Haven’t met the benchmarks? Obviously, then, we’re not able to complete the mission. Then you have to examine your options.”
Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott, R-Miss., a McCain ally, said many Republicans might back a resolution of the sort that McCain is suggesting. He noted that Republicans in the House of Representatives earlier this week proposed establishing a set of benchmarks and asking the Bush administration to report monthly on progress.
“Everybody wants the situation to change. Everybody wants to lay down some markers,” Lott said.
Several Senate Democrats said they were struck by McCain’s comments.
“We Catholics call that an epiphany,” said Senate Foreign Relations chairman Joe Biden, D-Del., who is sponsoring the main Democratic resolution opposing President Bush’s troop buildup.
