Some US troops will be moved out of Iraq within 60 days of my becoming President: Hillary Clinton

Washington, Oct.16 : Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton has announced a move to develop a plan to withdraw troops from Iraq within 60 days of becoming president.

In an article written for the Foreign Affairs magazine, Clinton, however, said that specialized units" would be asked to stay behind to fight terrorists there and elsewhere in the region.

The New York Democrat also stressed that all options would be on the table with respect to Iran policy, though she would use diplomacy as her first weapon.

"Iran must conform to its non-proliferation obligations and must not be permitted to build or acquire nuclear weapons. If Iran does not comply with its own commitments and the will of the international community, all options must remain on the table," the Washington Times quoted her as saying.

"On the other hand, if Iran is in fact willing to end its nuclear weapons program, renounce sponsorship of terrorism, support Middle East peace, and play a constructive role in stabilizing Iraq, the United States should be prepared to offer Iran a carefully calibrated package of incentives," she added.

Lee Feinstein, national-security director for the Clinton campaign, expanded on Hillary Clinton's Iran policy in a conference call with reporters yesterday.

"A commander in chief does not take options off the table," he said, adding that Mrs. Clinton has made clear her preference is to "pursue intensive diplomacy and economic pressure as the best way to avert a nuclear program in Iran and as the best way to avert a war," Fenstein said.

Clinton's vote was to "stand up against" the Bush Administration, especially since she said on the Senate floor that Bush cannot use force in Iran without congressional authority.

Clinton also said that the rebuilding of the military will be a key priority and promised to "expand and modernize" forces so they are better prepared to meet threats.

"American leadership is wanting, but it is still wanted," she concluded. (ANI)

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