Walberg Op-Ed in Jackson Citizen Patriot: "Visit to Iraq Shows Progress"

Op-Ed

WALBERG OP-ED IN JACKSON CITIZEN PATRIOT: "Visit to Iraq shows progress"

Visit to Iraq shows progress

Posted by Tim Walberg | Guest columnist January 27, 2008 08:07AM

Listening intently during a Green Zone meeting in Baghdad, a far-off sound broke my concentration, and I felt overcome by a sobering reality.

Though I sat next to Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, I nonetheless was square in the middle of a war zone. Mortar rounds were being fired perilously close to where I sat.

Day in and day out, our troops — including many sons and daughters of Michigan — face situations more dangerous than mine.

With their best interests and the security of our nation in mind, I recently had the opportunity to join a bipartisan delegation to Iraq. The purpose of my trip was to evaluate the situation in Iraq personally and make an honest appraisal of America's involvement. Following are conclusions I came to while in Iraq:

• The surge is working.

If I had to pick one thing to tell my constituents, it would be that the surge is doing what it was supposed to do. Neither Gen. Petraeus nor Ambassador Crocker is satisfied with the present level of violence, but the counterinsurgency strategy implemented by Gen. Petraeus has allowed American and Iraqi forces to stabilize and secure much of Iraq.

Enemies of freedom in Iraq, such as al-Qaida, Sunni militias and Shia extremists, are in retreat and violent deaths are down throughout the country.

Both the general and ambassador acknowledge a carbon copy of America is not expected, nor is it necessary, but Iraq must continue to become more independent and accept greater responsibility. While meeting with the general, I was told the Iraqi army is stepping up and now suffers three times the casualties suffered by U.S. troops. Overall, causalities have declined.

• Our troops are true heroes.

The men and women in uniform I met with moved me with their incredible courage and dedication. Our troops are resolute about completing their mission and creating an environment where Iraqi forces can step up and fight consistently on their own behalf.

The troops feel the American public is not getting a full perspective about positive developments in Iraq. Many have started their own blogs or Web sites to communicate their point of view.

We all should be extremely proud of our soldiers, and I encourage you to keep them in your prayers.

• Serious challenges remain.

In 2008, a force draw down will begin, and many troops will return home. However, many more will remain to train Iraqis, help them enforce recently passed de-Baathification laws and enable the Iraqi government to resolve legislative issues.

We must continue to regularly evaluate our involvement in Iraq, but we also must allow our military leaders to do what they have been trained to do. Iraqis need to establish civil order so terrorists do not take control. The last thing the world needs is another terrorist-sponsoring country aiming destructive powers at free nations.

I came away very impressed by Gen. Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker. Neither is a cheerleader, except when they talk about troops, and both believe there is much left to accomplish in Iraq.

Our group also spent time in Kurdistan, in northern Iraq, and witnessed many new developments, including a rebuilt infrastructure and new housing.

In 2007, our military accomplished remarkable feats in Iraq. We can only hope 2008 will be filled with more of the same.

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg represents the 7th Congressional District, which includes Jackson County.

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