WASHINGTON- July 17 - Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) issued the following statement today on the continuing violence in the Middle East:

“The continuing violence in the Middle East is spiraling out of control and everyday brings the world closer to the brink of a full-blown regional war in which there will be no winners.

“The US has a moral obligation to become engaged diplomatically, immediately. The region urgently needs diplomatic assistance. The US must reclaim its role as a mediator.

“Time is running out. Violence is escalating. Innocent civilians are being killed.

“As the region continues to erupt in violence that worsens by the day, our soldiers in Iraq are becoming increasingly at risk.

“Extremists in the region have made clear their intention to use the unrest in the region to retaliate against US troops currently serving in the region -particularly in Iraq. Everyday of diplomatic inaction puts our troops at greater risk. The presence of our troops in the region --where conflict is growing—increases the chances that they could be dragged into a wider conflict.

“Our presence in Iraq is counterproductive. Our troops are caught in the crossfire of a civil war that is increasing deadly. It is time to support our troops by bringing them home.

“It is impossible to separate the failed US policy in Iraq from the broader regional conflict. This Administration’s actions in Iraq have left the region considerable less stable.

“The solution is not only to immediately engage diplomatically in the region, but also to remove our troops from Iraq.

“This Administration which has an unfortunate talent for war, must actively seek a peaceful solution to the growing regional conflict, and make immediate preparations to bring our troops home.

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