Photos of Rep. King’s Recent Visit to Iraq
August 17, 2009
Arriving at base in Mosul
Meeting with American personnel at Mosul base
Flying into Baghdad, looking at Saddam Hussein’s castle
Flying from Baghdad to Amman, Jordan with security personnel
Rep. King Statement on Troop Drawdown
The American role in Iraq is winding down. Under an agreement negotiated by President Bush and continued by President Obama, all American troops will be out of Iraq by the end of 2011. It is important over the next 28 months that we do all we can to make sure that the enormous progress which has been achieved in Iraq – because of great sacrifice by our troops – is secured and protected. Having a stable democracy in Iraq is not just important for the Iraqi people, it is in America’s vital national interest.
I traveled to Jordan and Iraq last week to see first hand how the troop drawdown is progressing and what the prospects are for the future. I had previously been to Iraq three times (2003, ‘04 and ’07) and can report to you that the situation on the ground has improved dramatically. Violence has been greatly reduced, Iraqi forces have stepped up significantly and democratic institutions are in place throughout the country.
During my visit I went to our base in Mosul where our troops are rooting out the last Al Qaeda stronghold and also Baghdad where we have already begun to reduce our troop level. I came away from this trip reasonably confident that Iraq will be able to maintain most of the gains which have been made. The main problem, of course, is that we are turning over sovereignty to a people who have no experience with democracy.
While the challenges we face over the next 28 months are significant, I have extraordinary faith in our military and civilian personnel serving in Iraq who are so dedicated and able. They continue to be in harm’s way but they are willing to continue to make the sacrifices that still must be made.
Success in Iraq is not a Republican or Democratic issue. It is an American issue and I will do all I can to support President Obama – as I did President Bush – to help bring about a successful conclusion.
King on the Issues
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