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Issues
Iraq
I stand in full support of our troops.
Mistakes may have been made in the prosecution of the war in Iraq, and we must learn from them. But it is also easy to forget that there has been great progress in Iraq amid the drumbeat of negative news.
A government has been established, with open campaigns and a free press. Saddam Hussein has been deposed; the world rid of one of its most evil dictators. A landmark democratic constitution has been adopted by this Arab country for the first time in history. Women were allowed to vote and girls are allowed to attend school. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, one of the most notorious terrorists to roam Iraq’s countryside, is dead. 130 Iraqi battalions have been trained and equipped, and Iraqi troops have taken the lead in maintaining control over 30,000 square miles of the country.
I believe however, that history will judge our efforts favorably only if we finish the job– establishing a stable government in Iraq that can maintain internal peace, avoid civil war and defend itself against neighboring countries in the Middle East. To do otherwise puts at risk what we have gained, will invite further interference in Iraq by terror-sponsoring states such as Syria and Iran, and likely draw Saudi Arabia, Israel and Turkey into a full scale civil war in Iraq as each strives to protect their own security. Immediate withdrawal would also be interpreted by jihadists as a victory over the United States, empower insurgents and create a haven for terrorists to plan and prosecute further attacks on democratic nations.
Like all Americans, I want our troops to come home and be reunited with their families as soon as possible. However, any decision regarding troop return must be made by the Generals in the field who are responsible for getting the job done.
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