Statement from Ruppersberger on the Elimination of Terrorist Al-Zarqawi

(Washington, D.C.)- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Maryland 2nd) released the following statement on the elimination of terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.  Congressman Ruppersberger just returned from a trip to Iraq this past Sunday with House Speaker Dennis Hastert. 

“I applaud the United States military, coalition forces, and Iraqi forces for a job well done.  When I was in Iraq last week, I met with troops from Maryland and around the country.  I saw their courage and bravery firsthand.  This development should be a well deserved morale boost for our men and women in uniform.   

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was a well known murderer and the mastermind behind hundreds of bombings, kidnaps, and beheadings in Iraq.  Al-Zarqawi was one of the most ruthless and brutal terrorists who organized hundreds of Al-Qaeda cells in Iraq.  His elimination is a positive step forward for Iraq, the Iraqi people, and stability in the region. 

While the death of al-Zarqawi is certainly a positive development, the American people need to understand that this will not end the insurgency.  Important progress is being made in Iraq but there is still a long road ahead to a free, open, and democratic government.  We hope the elimination of Al-Zarqawi will strengthen the new Iraqi government that was recently created and renew the Iraqi people’s hope for the future.   

The ultimate goal of the United States is to completely withdraw American troops and bring our military personnel home.  I believe the best way to do that is to give the Iraqi police greater and greater roles in protecting their country so they are not as dependent on the United States and coalition forces. 

I believe it is now time to let the Iraqi security forces take more control of their country and test their ability to secure their own nation.  I believe our troops should stop patrolling the streets of the major Iraqi cities and should instead guard the perimeter.  The troops will be available if there is an emergency but the Iraqi security forces need to take more responsibility and gain more confidence in what they can do for their country.  I believe this will help bring stability to the region so we can bring our military personnel home.”   

Feel free to use the attached pictures from Congressman Ruppersberger’s trip to Iraq in your publication.

(####)