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New Success in September
Wednesday October 03, 2007 September was a significant month for the Global War on Terrorism. Following months of anticipation and speculation, General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker submitted their reports on the successes of the surge and new counter-insurgency strategy we are pursuing. Their testimony before a joint-hearing of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs was a candid and genuine account of what they believe is the best course of action for the United States to succeed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following their presentation before Congress, I was grateful to have the opportunity to visit our troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan at the end of September to see for myself what progress was being made.
In his report, General Petraeus told Congress that, due to increased troops and a new bottom-up strategy, insurgent attacks are down 40 percent in Iraq, civilian deaths reduced 50 to 80 percent, and sectarian violence cut in half. In the face of reduced violence, we have increased our ability to track the enemy and interrupt their efforts. Since the beginning of the surge, greater numbers of Iraqi citizens are willing to work with Iraqi and Coalition troops. Through their assistance and better surveillance, the number of weapon caches discovered has doubled. Additionally, we have either captured or killed many high level al Qaeda terrorists.
Ambassador Crocker’s report on the ongoing civilian and diplomatic efforts in Iraq painted a picture of some success, but he was sure to temper his comments with a need for a continued commitment to seeing that Iraq’s government fulfill the goals they have outlined for themselves. We can all agree that the Iraqi government must overcome many hurdles.
After hearing their assessments, I was eager to see in person what changes had occurred and to thank our military for their hard work. While on the ground, I received briefings on our military and civilian operations in both countries. In Afghanistan, I was grateful to be reunited with my old unit – the 218th Brigade of the South Carolina Army National Guard – who are currently training Afghan police forces with great success. In the Anbar Province of Iraq, where al Qaeda had previously taken refuge, I observed shops open for business, traffic proceeding calmly, and people walking the streets unafraid.
I am happy to report that troop morale is high and their dedication unwavering. The success we have heard in news reports and from our military commanders is visible on the streets in Iraq. While the potential for dangerous attacks still exists, Iraqis are going about their lives. Most importantly, despite the slowness of the Iraqi federal government to pass a comprehensive oil revenue distribution law, local tribes are already leading the way. I believe this tribal awakening will be a large part of an eventual exit strategy that is based on security, capable governance, and economic development.
As always, I was impressed by our troops and their professional leadership. These brave American men and women have assumed an incredibly challenging mission, and they deserve our gratitude and respect. The health and wellbeing of our troops and the safety of American families here at home are dependent upon our success in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am grateful for the sacrifices our military men and women and their families continue to make to preserve and defend America’s freedom.