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“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
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Pelosi: Maliki Misses the Point – Situation in Iraq is Deteriorating
Washington, D.C – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in response to the address by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to a Joint Meeting of Congress:
"Although I applaud Prime Minister Maliki’s personal courage and obvious commitment to improving the lives of his people, the fact remains: the situation in Iraq is deteriorating. President Bush’s announcement yesterday that more American troops and Iraqi security forces are being committed to the fight in Baghdad is proof of that. Sectarian violence threatens to tear apart major population centers and the performance of Iraqi security forces committed to Baghdad have been found wanting. For the most part, the violence is perpetrated by Iraqis against Iraqis. That is the reality and it is hard to find a reason for optimism in it.
"We are more than three years into the Iraq war. When the Prime Minister noted in his speech that ‘Many in this world …seemed certain that Iraq would never get to the point where it is today,’ he seemed in denial about what that point is.
"This morning, I asked the Prime Minister directly to explain his criticism of Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism. I was not satisfied with the response. During his address, Prime Minister Maliki spoke with conviction about ‘the terrorists who are falsely claiming to be speaking for Islam and Muslims,’ he missed an opportunity to single out groups fitting that description, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, and condemn their activities. If defeating terrorism is indeed the duty of all of us, as the Prime Minister proclaimed, the road to victory starts with identifying the enemy."
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
