Iraq

In August of 2008, I traveled to Iraq with Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake and other colleagues of the House Veterans Affairs Committee to see first-hand the whole spectrum of medical care being provided to our wounded warriors. I toured medical facilities in Kuwait, Iraq, and Germany and met with injured soldiers and medical personnel. I left Iraq with a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and well being of our troops while they are deployed, and making sure we uphold our promise of care when they return.

My trip also gave the opportunity to examine the situation on the ground. I met with General David Petraeus and discussed with him the progress made by President Bush’s “troop surge.” I believe that the “surge” was a tactical win, but not a strategic success. I had no doubt that our troops would reduce violence in Iraq. However, the purpose of the surge was to create an atmosphere in which Iraqi leaders could work together and take control over the security operations, which we have not yet seen.

I opposed the war in Iraq from the very beginning, and I do not believe our continued presence in that country will leave the U.S. in a secure position. For the last five years, our troops have refereed a civil war with no end in sight. Moreover, our strong presence in Iraq has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Americans, an Army stretched to its limits, a weakened U.S. economy, and limited ability to respond to a major disaster or national security crisis. Permanently staying in Iraq undermines the goal of transferring security responsibilities to the Iraqi government.

Our brave soldiers have won the war, but now it is time for Iraq’s political leaders to step up and win the peace. I believe we must begin to withdraw our troops from Iraq. We must also establish an open dialogue with the international community and Iraq’s neighbors.