Melvin R. Laird

Laird Statement on Iraq War

The November/December 2005 issue of Foreign Affairs carries an in-depth article, "Iraq: Learning the Lessons of Vietnam" by Melvin R. Laird.

Quote from the article:

"During Richard Nixon’s first term, when I served as secretary of defense, we withdrew U.S. forces from Vietnam while building up the South’s ability to defend itself. The result was a success - until Congress snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by cutting off funding for our ally in 1975. Washington should follow a similar strategy now, but this time finish the job properly."

Melvin R. Laird was secretary of defense from 1969 to 1973 and represented Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District for nine terms.