War

COLUMBIA --- U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett says things are getting much better in Iraq, and Democratic challenger Jane Dyer calls for a clearer strategy in the war on terrorism.

Mr. Barrett, the Republican who has represented the 3rd Congressional District since 2003, faces Ms. Dyer in Tuesday's election. Both praise the military efforts and vow to back up their words by allocating necessary funding, but they acknowledge that stabilizing the region will take more than committing more money.

Mr. Barrett says the United States is making significant political progress in Iraq.

As for the role of Congress: "We need to make sure the funds are there (and) that there is a commitment to support the mission. Unfortunately, we have a lot in Congress who have not been willing to do that."

Though he points to political progress in Iraq, he acknowledges recent media reports that indicate a downward spiral in Afghanistan.

"With (President Pervez) Musharraf leaving Pakistan and the terrible tragedies happening there, it has been a much more unstable environment," he said. "But ... I feel confident we'll get that situation back in control."

Ms. Dyer praises the military effort.

"Our troops are doing a phenomenal job," she says. "But we aren't listening to our military leaders."

Because of that, political progress in Iraq is stalled, she argues.

"The No. 1 thing we have to do is listen to our military commanders and work fervently for a political solution," she says.

In addition to involving other countries to reach a political solution, Ms. Dyer stresses tapping Iraqi oil revenues.

"We are spending $100 billion a year, while the Iraqis have $79 billion a year in oil revenue," she said. "They are putting $59 billion in the bank, because they say it's too volatile to invest in their own country."

On the recent setbacks in Afghanistan, she said there has been no clear strategy.

"The commander-in-chief is President Bush," she said. "It is ultimately his responsibility, and Congress has an oversight responsibility."

Reach Sarita Chourey at (803) 727-4257 or sarita.chourey@morris.com.