Experiences and Thoughts from my Tour of Iraq
By: U.S. Congressman Lincoln Davis

Iraq is a long way and different from the hills and valleys of my home in the Upper Cumberland. I was very eager to see, first hand, reconstruction efforts, to meet with Iraqi civilians and religious leaders, and to visit with our troops. I viewed this opportunity as a way to educate myself on the nature of this great undertaking. As I've said in meetings and interviews, if the United States can establish democracy in Iraq it will be one of this century's greatest accomplishments.

I was approached by Representative Dan Burton (R-IN), who led our small group to Iraq, to be a part of a congressional delegation. The two other members were Representatives Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Mike Pence (R-IN). All three are members of the House International Relations Committee.

Our trip officially began when we left Kuwait City in an Air Force C-130 in route to our destination of the southern city of Basra. The difference between the two cities was quite striking and was one of the first things I noticed. One was a booming and vibrant city the other was torn by war and years of neglect by a tyrant. This was the first such American congressional visit to Basra. When we arrived at the Coalition Provisional Authority headquarters, we were briefed by Major General Andrew Stewart, Commander of the British and multinational forces in the south, about the security situation and the emergence of the Shias as a dominant political force in the post-Saddam Iraq. After our meeting with General Stewart we met with Iraqi citizens participating in a governance program sponsored by USAID. We then participated in a roundtable discussion with Islamic and Christian clerics on the growing role of religion in post war Iraq.

Our group departed Basra in a Chinook helicopter and headed to Tillil Air Base. This low-altitude flight gave us a bird's eye view of Iraq's rough and flat terrain. The region around the air base has enormous religious and historical significance. I was able to visit and walk around the ruins of the birthplace of Abraham. The area known as Ur during Abraham's time had an important role as a religious and foreign trade center. At Tillil Air Base, we dined with American troops. This was one instance in which we, as members of Congress, were able to thank our troops for putting themselves in harms way not only for us, but for all.

Baghdad bound we were loaded in a C-130 filled with troops returning from leave. We landed at Baghdad International Airport where we were welcomed by a large convoy of soldiers detailed to guard us against attack. As we navigated the streets of Baghdad, you could see evidence from actions taken by our military in the early stages of the war. One also began to get a sense of the self-indulgence of the former Iraqi dictator and his sons. The grandiose nature and size of his many palaces was very disturbing when you saw the deplorable conditions that a majority of ordinary Iraqi citizens lived in.

We meet with Lt. General Ricardo Sanchez, Commander of coalition forces in Iraq. He provided our group with classified information on our military progress and of tactics used by the enemy. Prior to our meeting with Coalition Provisional Authority Ambassador Paul Bremer, we received briefings on intelligence and economic development undertakings.

I know I can speak for all four of us by saying that we were living through what will hopefully be a defining moment in Iraqi history. Ambassador Bremer walked into the meeting with sections of the new Iraqi Constitution in hand. We could visibly see notes and scribbles on that document, the details of which were being debated by the Iraqi Governing Council in a room a few feet away.

During our trip, I realized that everyone in Iraq today wants to have the individual freedom that we enjoy in this country. This I firmly believe now. While we have a tough road ahead of us, I believe an Iraqi nation of self-governance is possible. The quicker we can get the Iraqi government established, the sooner we can reduce our troop level.

Regarding troop support, I voted for the money to help our troops last year, because it was the right thing to do. Furthermore, one can argue the manner in which we went in, but we are their now and we must see it through. If we pull out prematurely, we could do irreparable harm to our nation's credibility and Iraq. We must stay the course.

I would like to thank the American, British, and Italian soldiers for providing us with safe protection as we traveled through Iraq. Even though we were required to wear body armor, I know that they were putting themselves in harms way for our safety. With the one year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq fast approaching, I would like to thank all American and Coalition troops for there service and dedication, and in certain circumstances, their life for a better world.

Davis represents the 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He may be reached by calling (202) 225-6831.