Graham Questions Clinton over ‘Ending' the War in Iraq While Winning in Afghanistan

Statement

Graham Questions Clinton over ‘Ending' the War in Iraq While Winning in Afghanistan

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on comments by Senators Hillary Clinton (D-New York) and Barack Obama (D-Illinois).

"Senator Clinton made an interesting statement last night. She said, "We're ready to end the war in Iraq and win the war in Afghanistan ." No one doubts we must win in Afghanistan , the country that gave rise to the Taliban and Al Qaeda. But Senator Clinton's Iraq statement about "ending" the Iraq war was quite troubling.

"I realize the political left in our country does not want to hear the word ‘win' mentioned in a conversation about Iraq, but our own national security interests require us to ‘win,' not simply ‘end.' It really is a bit unnerving to me that Senator Clinton would not understand consequences of losing in Iraq .

" Iraq is clearly a central battlefront in the War on Terror. Winning is not only now possible, but necessary.

"Last night, Senator Obama eloquently described how a grandfather living in Ugandawas following the American presidential election. He was right. The world is watching and that audience includes some of the most vicious killers known to mankind. Al Qaeda is taking measure of each and every word uttered.

"While Al Qaeda has suffered from the surge of troops into Iraq , they are inspired when they hear American leaders discussing how they plan to leave the central battlefront in the War on Terror. Here's to hoping that neither Senator Clinton nor Obama give them inspiring moments in the weeks and months ahead."

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