Rep. Boozman: Iraqis Must Do More

Rep. Boozman: Iraqis Must Do More

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today issued the following statement on the release of the report of the Hamilton-Baker Iraq Study Group:

"Today America has a distinct opportunity to move forward to secure the peace in Iraq, return home our nation's sons and daughters, and continue to stop the terror threat posed by al-Qaeda.

"The Hamilton-Baker Group pointed out the need of a change of focus from only military decisions with regards to Iraq, to add a diplomatic front with Iraq's neighbors in the region. The bipartisan effort of the Study Group deserves our praise, and should be a utilized as a tool by the President, his new Secretary of Defense, and his generals to win in Iraq and give the Iraqi people the opportunity to succeed and grow as a democracy.

"A major component of our success will be determined by the efforts of the Iraqi government and their struggle to unite the various factions that exist. To that extent, the Iraqis must do more to protect and provide for its citizens.

"Today's report may bring about a change in America's policy in Iraq, but it will not change our resolve to complete the mission we have undertaken. The sacrifice of American servicemen and families, as well as those of Iraqis, demand no less.

"In August, I traveled to Iraq to speak with Arkansas troops and meet with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. While there, we gave President Talabani a message: Americans will be leaving Iraq. His response: ‘We want you to leave.'

"We must now move forward to making the wants of both Americans and Iraqi come true: Leave Iraq secure, democratic, and ready to take its place as a beacon of liberty in the Middle East."

http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=54006