Edwards denounces ‘war on terror’ as ideological doctrine

NEW YORK (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards today disputed the contention that there is a "global war on terror."

The former North Carolina senator says the war on terror is an ideological doctrine advanced by the Bush administration that has strained American military resources and emboldened terrorists.

Edwards is to deliver a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. His prepared remarks call the war on terror a "bumper sticker" slogan Bush has used to justify everything from abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison to the invasion of Iraq.

Edwards says the nation needs a new mission focused on protecting Americans from 21st century threats. He says the policy should not be misused for what he calls "discredited ideological purposes."

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