Hagel on Meet the Press

Chuck Hagel appeared on Meet the Press with Tim Russert this morning to discuss President's Bush's plan to escalate US involvement in Iraq.

Also appearing this morning were Senators Chris Dodd, Joe Lieberman and Jon Kyl.

Hagel joined Dodd on the opposing side of the President's plan.

Hagel said nobody in congress wants a collapse of Iraq, but the issue is whether escalation of military involvement, is appropriate.

Citing the Baker-Hamilton Commission, Hagel said the emphasis should be focused on political solution in Iraq.

Hagel said that putting Americans in the middle of a tribal sectarian civil war is asking for trouble.

Regional powers like Iran and Syria must be included in a political settlement, as well as the support of the international community , Hagel said.