“IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT GATES THINKS HE HAS TO WAIT FOR HISTORIANS TO HAIL THE SUCCESS OF OUR TROOPS”
 

Washington, Sep 2, 2010 -

Following President Obama’s declaration that the U.S. role in combat operations in Iraq is over, Defense Secretary Robert Gates was asked in an interview aired on CNN, “Do you believe the Iraq War was worth it?”In a tentative, uncertain response, Gates said, “I think that, it really, it really requires a historian’s perspective in terms of what happens here in the long term.”

Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth) was critical of Gates’ response.  “With the end of combat operation in Iraq, now is the time to honor the ultimate sacrifice of more than 4,000 U.S. service members who died in Iraq, as well as the sacrifice of those who were injured and the dedication of all who served there.They completed the mission set before them, earning our thanks and praise for their tremendous accomplishments. There is now a democratic Iraq that poses no threat to the region or the international community. It does not take a historian to know that Saddam Hussein, a cruel tyrant, is gone, and that for the first in its history, Iraq has the choice of personal and economic freedom. Also, that there is now one country in the Middle East that is not a haven for Al Qaeda and other extremists.  Given these facts, it is unfortunate that Gates thinks he has to wait for historians to hail the success of our troops.”

Added Stearns, “The United States has reduced violence in Iraq, removed from power a dictator who killed and gassed his own people, and planted the seeds of democracy.  We should not be so quick to dismiss what is going on today.  Even if Iraq totally breaks down over the coming decades, at this point in time, right now, Iraq is democratic and stabilized.  No matter what happens in the future, at this moment Iraqis have a choice.  Right now something wonderful and miraculous is happening and historians can’t take that away. Secretary Gates should be more forceful in recognizing that.”

“IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT GATES THINKS HE HAS TO WAIT FOR HISTORIANS TO HAIL THE SUCCESS OF OUR TROOPS”