*Only perseverance will give Iraq its Independence Day*
http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20080627/READERS/538364642/-1/r...
We must not disrespect the heroic sacrifices of the men and women in
uniform and their families by neglecting to recognize why America continues
to fight this very moment in Iraq.
In April of this year, General David Petraeus and our Ambassador to Iraq
Ryan Crocker addressed Congress with a comprehensive update on the ground
conditions in Iraq. They reported that Iraq's security conditions have
significantly improved. Iraq is no longer destined for civil war, and the
forces of freedom are winning on the streets of Baghdad and Mosul, along the
ports in Basra, and throughout all regions of Iraq. American casualties have
plummeted. In just the last six weeks, it has been reported that road side
bomb attacks and fatalities in Iraq dropped over 90 percent since last year.
Iraq's national government is meeting political and economic benchmarks, and
the entire country will return to the polls again this fall to cast their
ballots in another open and democratic election.
Iraq is experiencing remarkable success because the Iraqi security forces
have grown in size and competency, and our commanders' have won over the
support of thousands of Iraq's tribal sheiks and former insurgents. In
addition, enhanced surveillance capabilities and the infusion into Iraq of
7,000 heavily armored Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles have helped
keep our soldiers safe.
Although Iraq's fate ultimately rests in their ability to reconcile their
political differences, our military presence is necessary so long as local
circumstances require our expert military capabilities and Iraq's security
forces demand our support.
Victory in Iraq begs our perseverance. No timetables. No surrender. Nothing
short of victory will suffice. The difference between the defeatists and me
concerns how we remove our combat troops. I want to do so with our nation's
honor and dignity intact, and with victory secured. I refuse to waive the
white flag of surrender and claim defeat by prematurely pulling out our
troops and abandoning the fight.
The eradication of Islamic fascism and the fate of democracy in the Middle
East hinges on the outcome of the war in Iraq. Victory in Iraq will signify
to all our enemies that no foe of the United States is safe. The outcome of
this conflict will have ramifications for generations to come, and I am
confident that one day historians will say that because of America's
resolve, Iraq in the 21st century became a beacon of liberty in their own
right.
And so on this 4th of July, Independence Day in America, I am reminded of
the powerful words of Philip Randolph, "Freedom is never given; it is won."
The unprecedented freedom we enjoy obligates us to play a leadership role in
helping a nation like Iraq that is struggling to develop their own unique
democracy that places the power of government with the people.
I wish you a proud and blessed Independence Day.
*U.S. Senator Wayne Allard is Colorado's Senior U.S. Senator and a resident
of Loveland, Colorado.*
