Iraq Becomes Soverign Nation and U.S. Ally

IRAQ BECOMES SOVEREIGN NATION AND U.S. ALLY -- (House of Representatives - July 06, 2004)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week on June 28, Iraq became a sovereign nation as control was handed over from coalition forces to a new Iraqi Government headed by Prime Minister Iyad Allawi and President Ghazi al-Yawer. This is an extraordinary achievement for President George W. Bush, the American military, and our coalition partners.

Despite attacks from political opponents, President Bush firmly acted to protect American families from future terrorist attacks by liberating Iraq from one of history's most brutal dictators. Today, only 15 months after the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, Iraq has turned from an enemy to a developing democracy. No longer a supporter of international terrorism, today's Iraq, along with Afghanistan, represents a beacon of hope in the Middle East for freedom and democracy.

As the Iraqi people continue their struggle for a better future, our brave men and women in uniform continue to work with Iraqi forces to hunt down and stop the depraved enemy who is desperate to stop the march for freedom.

In conclusion, may God bless our troops; and we will never forget September 11.