Congressman Calvert Statement on Troop Reinforcements in Iraq
Congressman Calvert Statement on Troop Reinforcements in Iraq
"The President understands that success in Iraqi is crucial for the stability of Iraq, the Middle East and the world. I support his decision for increased troops in Iraq to reinforce operations to secure Baghdad.
It is vital to remember that the Iraqi Security Forces will bust down the doors, make arrests, and clear Baghdad of insurgents. U.S. forces will reinforce the Iraqi Security Forces but they will not act as the lead in this operation. The President rightly authorized more robust rules of engagement as well as a new strategy of clear and hold' instead of vacating areas only to have them re-inhabited by insurgents. This new way forward may very well produce the success we have all been waiting for in Iraq.
Another crucial point is that the President has demanded that the Iraqi government step up their efforts to provide security to their people and to take the reins of control for their country. The Iraqi government must demonstrate to their people - and the American people - that they are serious about taking control of their country in a fair and equal way. The leaders of both Sunni and Shia must ensure that all Iraqis receive equal treatment under the law. Prime Minister al-Maliki has stated his plans to have Iraqis in charge of security for all 18 provinces of Iraq by the end of the year. He needs American help to first stabilize the city of Baghdad. Stability in Baghdad will allow the Iraqi government to function and provide important progress on the economy and development of democratic institutions.
Our nation elects one Commander-in-Chief at a time and, while Congress must conduct oversight, our Nation must speak with one voice in foreign affairs. This is the leas we can do to give our troops in the field the support they need to succed.
Now is the time lend our support to the brave men and women who will carry out this mission and their families who must bear the burden of worry while their loved ones are in Iraq. The year 2007 may well be like 1865 or 1944, critical turning points in long and difficult struggles.
http://calvert.house.gov/pressreleases.asp?ARTICLE4024=12606