Is a referendum consistent with U.S. foreign policy?
Yes. A stated goal of U.S. foreign policy on Iraq is to establish democratic practices so that Iraqi citizens are left in charge of their country.10 Here, for instance, are statements from former President Bush and Secretary of State Rice: “Our coalition has a clear goal, understood by all—to see the Iraqi people in charge of Iraq… I sent American troops to Iraq to make its people free, not to make them American.” –George W. Bush (May 24, 2004, Speech at the U.S. Army War College) “We believe that people ought to be allowed to express themselves and we believe that people ought to decide the fates of their governments. They want to vote. They want to participate in democracy. They want to be able to express themselves and to me that is encouraging.” –George W. Bush (January 26, 2005, Press Conference) “I am confident that when peoples are allowed to vote and express their will, peaceful societies emerge… the Iraqi people have got the capacity and the desire to self-govern.” –George
