FLASHBACK: President Obama Opposed Surge Strategy That Led to Progress in Iraq
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As President Touts Progress Made Under Surge Strategy He Opposed, it is Imperative That He Focus on the Long-Term Security of Iraq and the United States
Today, President Obama is giving a speech highlighting the transition of the mission in Iraq from a combat to an advisory role later this month. While the President may be eager to use this speech to “to check off another of the major promises he made during the campaign,” he may be less willing to revisit his own opposition to the surge strategy that, along with the courage and sacrifice of the troops that implemented it, is responsible for the progress that has been achieved to date.
In early 2007, the situation in Iraq was bleak. A new strategy had been announced that represented the best, and possibly last chance to prevent Iraq from slipping into the hands of terrorists and insurgents. At that time, President Obama blasted the new strategy, arguing that it would only make the situation worse:
- Then-Sen. Obama said the surge would actually worsen sectarian violence in Iraq. Then-Sen. Obama: “I am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there. In fact, I think it will do the reverse. I think it takes pressure off the Iraqis to arrive at the sort of political accommodation that every observer believes is the ultimate solution to the problems we face there. So I am going to actively oppose the president’s proposal. … I think he is wrong, and I think the American people believe he’s wrong.” (MSNBC’s “Response To The President’s Speech On Iraq,” 1/10/07)
- Then-Sen. Obama: “We cannot impose a military solution on what has effectively become a civil war. And until we acknowledge that reality -- we can send 15,000 more troops, 20,000 more troops, 30,000 more troops, I don’t know any expert on the region or any military officer that I’ve spoken to privately that believes that that is going to make a substantial difference on the situation on the ground.” (CBS’ “Face The Nation,” 1/14/07)
- Then-Sen. Obama: “Given the deteriorating situation, it is clear at this point that we cannot, through putting in more troops or maintaining the presence that we have, expect that somehow the situation is going to improve, and we have to do something significant to break the pattern that we’ve been in right now.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 10/22/06)
Republicans, and millions of Americans, argued that our troops and the new strategy should be given the opportunity to succeed. In the three-and-a-half years since the surge was implemented, our men and women in uniform have performed brilliantly, bringing about a tremendous amount of progress in Iraq. Nevertheless, much difficult work remains.
As the U.S. continues its drawdown, a recent spike in violence underscores the need to maintain a long-term commitment to ensuring stability and security in Iraq. The United States has a vital national security interest in maintaining a close alliance with a free and democratic Iraq. While insurgents may attempt to challenge the political landscape, it is imperative that the United States recognize that the progress that has been made is not irreversible, and that Iraq must not be allowed to become a safehaven for terrorists to plan and launch attacks against the United States.
As the drawdown of U.S. forces continues throughout the next 17 months, we hope that President Obama continues to keep in mind his promise to listen to the commanders on the ground and make decisions based on their counsel:
- As a presidential candidate, then-Sen. Obama told CBS’ Harry Smith that the President has to be “mindful of the situation on the ground and what the commanders say.” Smith: “If you are to be elected president and your commanders on the ground there and your secretary of Defense said, ‘Hold back; you can’t be pulling these people out; we’re going to create a civil war and a bloodbath,’ what would you do?”...Obama: “[I] think there is going to be some flexibility. And obviously I would consult with commanders. We have to be mindful of the situation on the ground and what the commanders say.” (CBS’ “The Early Show,” 2/4/08)
NOTE: House Republicans, led by House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) introduced aresolution (H.Con.Res. 310) honoring the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Armed Services who are currently serving, or have served, in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Earlier today, Governor Martin O'Malley, on a U.S. Department of Defense-sponsored trip, arrived in Iraq where he will be meeting with Maryland troops and men and women of the Maryland National Guard on active duty in Iraq. 
