CHUCK ROSS Reporter
“My family and I have not spoken,” the 47-year-old Dash said in an interview with The Edit.
“Dayhoff Westminster Soundtrack:” Kevin Dayhoff – “Soundtrack Division of Old Silent Movies” - https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ combined with “Dayhoff Westminster” – Writer, artist, fire and police chaplain. For art, writing and travel see https://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer
FLASHBACK: President Obama Opposed Surge Strategy That Led to Progress in Iraq
http://gopleader.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=201897
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:
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:
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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