Wicker, Bush Make Case for Resolve on Iraq, Terrorism
WICKER, BUSH MAKE CASE FOR RESOLVE ON IRAQ, TERRORISM
REPORT FROM CONGRESS
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker
July 11, 2005
The terrorist attacks in London on July 7th provide vivid evidence that the forces of evil continue to advance an ideology of hate and murder around the world. These barbaric events reinforce the need for civilized nations to stand united against this peril. The London bombings should also serve as a reminder of what is at stake in Iraq as U.S., British, and coalition forces continue their mission to defeat terrorism and support democracy in Iraq and the broader Middle East.
In two recent speeches, President Bush was frank about the challenges, delivering a clear message to the American people about the importance of staying the course in Iraq.
IRAQ IS KEY BATTLEGROUND
Iraq is a key battleground in the global war on terrorism. Mr. Bush reiterated the significance of that struggle in Independence Day remarks at West Virginia University. He said terrorists seek to spread tyranny and oppression and repeated his pledge of September 2001 to take the fight to the enemy abroad before we are attacked again at home.
The President's June 28th speech came exactly one year after the transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi people. He said that while progress has been "uneven," progress is being made. He recounted democratic successes, including free elections, establishment of a transitional national assembly, and reconstruction efforts. Work also continues on creation of a constitution.
MARCH TOWARD DEMOCRACY
Mr. Bush noted that the new Iraqi government and coalition forces have suffered the blows of terrorist attack and suicide bombings, but he said the march toward democracy continues. "The terrorists can kill the innocent, but they cannot stop the advance of freedom," he said. "The only way our enemies can succeed is if we forget the lessons of September 11...if we abandon the Iraqi people to men like Zarqawi...and if we yield the future of the Middle East to men like bin Laden."
The U.S. strategy in Iraq has a military track and a political track. The military strategy includes defeating the terrorists and training Iraqi security forces to defend their country. The political track includes establishment of institutions of a free society such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and equal justice under the law. Another goal is inclusion of Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish Iraqis as partners in the democratic process.
WITHDRAWAL DATE A MISTAKE
The President acknowledged the work in Iraq is dangerous and that the suffering is real. He was firm in asserting, however, that the sacrifice is worth it and vital to the future of our country. He recognized Americans want our troops to come home as soon as possible but said it would be a mistake to set an arbitrary date for U.S. withdrawal.
Mr. Bush is exactly right. Adopting a timetable to withdraw would send the wrong message to the Iraqis, who need to know that America will not leave before the job is done. It would be a troubling signal to our troops, who need to know we are serious about completing their mission. Such a deadline would also send the wrong message to our enemies, who would simply wait us out.
The President cautioned there will be tough moments ahead that will test America's resolve. The enemy respects no law and is capable of any atrocity. In his July 4th remarks, Mr. Bush said, "We know that the freedom we defend is meant for all men and women, and for all times. And we know that when the work is hard, the proper response is not to retreat; it is courage."
http://www.house.gov/wicker/Terrorism.htm