Role of U.S. Military : How, if at all, would you change U.S. troop deployment in Iraq?

Howard Dean: We need to reduce American force levels in Iraq by getting capable international troops (NATO) in and/or using adequately trained and vetted Iraqi security forces. To accomplish this, we must immediately begin working to repair our alliances and regain global support for American goals.

John Edwards: We need the right mix of forces to handle counter-insurgency and peace enforcement operations, including special forces, light infantry, and better intelligence. I would bring NATO into the effort immediately, with the goal to eventually placing NATO in charge of Iraq's security.

• In Iraq, the Bush administration's plan has failed to bring our allies into the effort and empower the Iraqi people.
• I will immediately turn over oversight of the civilian authority to the United Nations and give our allies a seat at the table.
• The U.N. must play a central role in helping Iraq become safe and secure, as well as training Iraqi security forces. NATO must also be involved.
• I will establish specific timetables to transfer authority to the Iraqis to give them more control over their economy, civilian authority, and security, and to help them create a new government that defends their freedom and represents their diversity. And I will establish an independent oversight commission to ensure that the contract process is competitive, fair, and transparent.
• We need more NATO troops in Afghanistan and we must expand the international security forces beyond Kabul. We have to ramp up efforts to fight the Taliban and find Osama bin Laden, and work with our allies and President Karzai's government to weaken the warlords that control vast parts of the country.

Wesley Clark: I would transform the military operation in Iraq into a NATO operation. With NATO support and U.N. endorsement, we can also get Arab countries in the region to step in. Their presence would prove that this is not an American occupation, but an international and regional effort to stabilize Iraq.

• The Bush administration's failure to formulate an effective military strategy in Iraq is costing American lives. I have a success strategy. First, I'll consider adding forces. We can't measure success in Iraq by a reduction in troops or failure by an increase. It's more important to do the job right so all the troops can come home sooner.
• Next, we have the right force mix to fight a guerrilla war. That means more Special Forces and other light forces better suited for counter-insurgency.
• Third, we need to make better use of intelligence resources. To protect our soldiers we must do all we can to find out who's attacking our soldiers. That means better intelligence work and improved relations with the civilian population.
• We need to take the linguists and intelligence specialists now involved in the search for WMD and assign them to our military counter-insurgency efforts. International inspectors are willing and able to take over this mission.
• We must also augment our intelligence capability with new technologies and better recruitment in the Arab-American community.