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International Affairs (Iraq/Afghanistan)
Iraq
The Department of Defense reports that overall violence in Iraq is down 65 percent from 2007 levels. In February, President Obama announced that all U.S. combat brigades would be brought home by August 31, 2010. This drawdown reflects the views of U.S. commanders in the field who still see a need for a reduced American role in Iraq produced a unified, democratic Iraq.
The first major assessment of the surge was testimony of General Petraeus on September 10 and 11, 2007, in which he said "As a bottom line up front, the military objectives of the surge are, in large measure, being met."
While I support our mission in Iraq, it has become clear that over the past few years many mistakes have been made. These mistakes have unfortunately worsened the current situation in Iraq and previous strategies to quell sectarian violence and stabilize democracy in Iraq have not succeeded.
However, it remains in America's strategic interests to ensure regional stability in the Middle East and to deny terrorists a safe haven in Iraq. To achieve these objectives, any new strategy must be accompanied by a set of strategic benchmarks designed to measure the progress of President Bush's new strategy in Iraq, and to hold the Bush Administration and the Iraqi government accountable for their role in achieving success. These benchmarks will ensure that President Bush's new strategy in Iraq is not an open-ended commitment.
Afghanistan
The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) face some formidable obstacles: shoring up a weak government in Kabul; using military capabilities in a distant country with rugged terrain; and rebuilding a country devastated by war and troubled by a resilient narcotics trade.
Over the past two years, Taliban attacks have increased in scope and number. Taliban fighters have adopted some of the tactics used by insurgents in Iraq, such as roadside bombs and suicide attacks. In addition to increased insurgency activity, terrorist violence has increased since 2008.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)
Stearns' Statements
Video of Floor Statement February 14, 2007
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