Progress in Iraq
Rep. Boozman's Column for the Week of April 11, 2005
Meeting with Civic Leaders in Fallujah
Washington, Apr 11 - Two years ago, the brave men and women of our armed forces liberated the people of Iraq from the grips of a ruthless dictator who brutally murdered his own people. Two years later, a democracy is taking effect in Iraq, despite repeated efforts by Saddam-loyalists and foreign terrorists to undermine it.
Earlier this year, the world watched in awe as 8.5 million Iraqis voted in their country's first free and fair elections in more than 50 years. For millions, this was their first taste of democracy, their first trip to the polls and you can see the excitement in the photos that ran in the pages of almost every newspaper in the world.
The large number of Iraqi voters that braved terrorist threats and attempts to thwart the elections shocked the many people who doubted such a feat could be accomplished. These same people would like you to think that Iraq is a powder keg, teetering on the brink of civil war, and unable to become a democratic state. The reality of the situation is that the country has come an incredibly long way in two years, electing democratic government that represents all sects of the country and building an infrastructure that was non-existent even before our troops freed the Iraqi people from Saddam's grips.
A few weeks ago, I made my third trip to Iraq since the liberation. As always, one of the main priorities was to visit the troops and ensure they had all they needed to see this mission through. But we also met with Iraqi officials and toured the towns of Fallujah and Tikrit to see firsthand how far this nation has come.
Fallujah was once the flashpoint for the resistance. Now, the insurgents have been hushed and the town is rebuilding. After touring the town, we met with civic leaders and local Imams who briefed us on the reconstruction and the sentiments of the people of Fallujah. The progress they have made is impressive, as it is in Tikrit, which is Saddam's hometown and home to many of his former loyalists.
I have seen continued improvements in Iraq on each visit. The work our troops have done there has been tremendous and the Iraqi people are grateful. The Iraqi people are upbeat and positive, knowing that they now hold the key to their future now. Much of this can be created to the exceptional work of our armed forces. As President Bush said, once the Iraqi people can sustain and defend themselves, our troops will come home with the honor they have earned. The Iraqi people are well on their way to that point, and I know we all look forward to them getting there so we can bring our men and women home.
There is still a long way to go before Iraq is a completely stable and self-sufficient democracy. However, the Iraqi people deserve a great deal of credit for their successful election and the effects their democracy will have in the Arab world. As other Middle East countries see the benefits of democracy in the heart of their region, their people will want it as well. The spread of democracy through the region will deliver a strong blow to terrorism and make the world a safer place.
BRAKE IN TRANSCRIPT
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