Iraq One Year Later: The People are Optimistic

IRAQ ONE YEAR LATER: THE PEOPLE ARE OPTIMISTIC

Cornyn says Iraqi people are better off one year after start of Operation Iraqi Freedom

WASHINGTON-U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the following statement Friday regarding the one-year anniversary of the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

"Despite the pessimistic rhetoric from some politicians on the campaign trail, Iraqis are optimistic, our troops are well-equipped and the resolve of our leadership will not falter. We will continue this mission and finish the job of building a free and prosperous Iraq and ridding the world of terrorism wherever it may be.

"Congress has passed necessary funding to ensure our troops have the protection and resources they need. There is still much work to be done in rebuilding Iraq, and this funding has led to clear and concrete increases in the safety of our troops. We did the right thing by funding this additional protection for our troops. Our men and women deserve the best, and they have the best.

"One year ago, the people of Iraq lived in fear. One year ago, the number of mass graves was steadily rising. And one year ago, the people of Iraq lived without the hope of freedom or democracy.

"Now, a majority of Iraqis say life is better than it was under the tyrannical rule of Saddam Hussein. Now the rebuilding efforts continue at a strong pace, the country has a constitution and Iraqis will soon have an autonomous government run by Iraqis, not a ruthless dictator. And now even recent polls agree that most Iraqis are optimistic that life will be even better in the year to come."