Sen. Clinton Calls for Troop Cap in Iraq

Clinton, the expected front-runner for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, was quick to seize the spotlight the day after Illinois Sen. Barack Obama took a major step toward entering the race.

Appearing on network television and radio shows to discuss her recent trip to Iraq, the New York senator said she opposes President Bush's plan to increase U.S. troops in Iraq and favors redeploying troops out of Baghdad and eventually Iraq. She said she also favors conditioning economic aid to the Iraqi government's progress in meeting certain political goals.

"The Bush administration has frankly failed to put any leverage on this government," Clinton told CBS' "The Early Show." But she sidestepped questions on whether she would vote to block funding for Bush's troop increase.

On Afghanistan, Clinton called the conflict there "one of the great missed opportunities," urging an increase in U.S. troops before a likely "spring offensive" by the Taliban.

"Let's focus on Afghanistan and get it right," Clinton said.

Clinton and Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., who traveled together to both Iraq and Afghanistan over the weekend, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates Wednesday calling for an increase in Afghanistan of two or possibly three infantry battalions, some 2,300 troops.

They said U.S. commanders there told them they need more intelligence and surveillance capabilities, specifically unmanned predator drones.

"Unlike in Iraq," the senators wrote, "we have a government in Afghanistan committed to promoting national interests over sectarian ones, is making tangible progress in governance, sincerely wants more U.S. help, and is fighting the enemy that brought us Sept. 11."

In the morning interviews, Clinton deflected questions on the presidential qualifications of Obama, who has emerged as her chief competitor for the nomination.

"We're going to have a really vigorous debate on both sides, in both parties," Clinton told NBC's "Today Show." "The voters will make that decision."

Clinton is expected to join the presidential field within days. Asked on NPR's "Morning Edition" about when to expect her announcement, Clinton said she was following her own timeline and wouldn't be influenced by the actions of other candidates.

I'm trying to pursue my own assessment and analysis," she said. "There is a lot involved in doing this effectively, if you are going to take the plunge.

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