Giffords says that diplomacy is solution

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords sees Iraq as a complex problem, and she believes that to solve it will have to include more diplomatic efforts.

Although she spent just one day in the battle-torn nation as part of a small congressional delegation, the Arizona Democrat said it doesn't take much time on the ground to know the United States is facing a determined enemy.

"The trip reinforces for me the complexity of the problem facing us in Iraq," she said Wednesday at a press conference in the Tucson International Airport.

Her time on the ground was limited and was mostly in the heavily protect Green Zone, where the U.S. Embassy is located.

Giffords said that even with a better understanding of what the military wants to do, she would not change her vote against adding additional forces. Her vote, made the day she left for Iraq, was on a non-binding resolution.

While some say Democrats in Congress - the party controls both chambers - are using the surge to lead to a possible vote to cut off funding for the American forces engaged in Iraq, the congresswoman said that is not her intent.

If the Democratic leadership brings up a bill before the House to cut off the funding for the troops already in the country, Giffords said, it will not have her support.

"I will never vote for it," she said.

The American military is doing outstanding work in a situation where their lives are threatened every day, the congresswoman said. She also was impressed by the GIs' dedication and courage.

Before going to Iraq, she and the delegation led by U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) saw what improvised explosive devices can do to Humvees and tanks.

"I saw row after row of Humvees and tanks destroyed by IEDs," Giffords said.

The congresswoman was impressed by a new push by Iraq's leader to finally defend their own country. Giffords said that was the best news she heard.

"I'm cautiously optimistic," said Giffords, who was the first freshman member of Congress this session to travel to Iraq.

Senior American military leaders sought support for the surge, noting success "will not be known for days or weeks, but we will know in months," Giffords said, adding that more diplomacy is needed. "The military can't solve this war itself," she said.

(Hess is a reporter for the SV Herald/Review.)