Bozeman Daily Chronicle- Montana Delegation Reacts to White House Statement on Iraq Crisis

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By Troy Carter

Montana Sen. John Walsh, the only Iraq War veteran in the U.S. Senate, criticized President Obama for ordering his administration to prepare options to counter a Sunni Islamic group defeating government troops in Iraq.

Iraqi forces have broken under pressure from the radical Islamic group, prompting the U.S. Administration to reconsider a request from the Iraqi government for drone strikes against the rebels. The U.S. has spent more than $25 billion training and equipping Iraq's army since 2003.

"After nearly a decade of war, America returned Iraq's government to its people. However, President Obama failed to secure the region against outside terrorist organizations and the threat they pose," Walsh said in a prepared statement.

The insurgency has brewed for months as fighters challenged government troops in the Anbar province, which stretches from the Syrian border to Baghdad. In recent days the Islamist rebels routed Iraqi troops in Mosul and were seen hauling U.S. equipment, including armored Humvees, according to observers.

"It is time for Iraq to take responsibility for its own national security. Our military mission there should be over," said Walsh.

Walsh led an infantry battalion in combat operations in 2004-2005 in part of the region being fought over this week.

Speaking from the White House on Friday afternoon, President Obama said, "We will not be sending U.S. troops back into combat in Iraq, but I have asked my national security team to prepare a range of other options that could help support Iraq's security forces. And I'll be reviewing those options in the days ahead."

Sen. Jon Tester agreed with Walsh.

"American politicians rushed into the Iraq War with little thought to the long-term impact it would have. Montanans made great sacrifices to give the Iraqi people a chance to govern themselves," Tester said in a statement.

"But the heroism shown by our military has been let down by the failure of the Iraqi government to govern their country. This is not the time to involve ourselves in their fight."

Montana's Congressman Steve Daines also weighed in on Iraq, Friday afternoon.

"Only Iraqis can secure their future. At the same time, we cannot allow the lives of the 4,486 Americans who died in Iraq, including 28 Montanans, to casually go in vain," Daines said in a released statement.

"While I strongly oppose any American boots on the ground, I will closely analyze other options put forward by our military commanders to help repel al Qaeda forces in Iraq and protect U.S. security interests. The president should closely consult with Congress and seek any necessary authorization as decisions are made," said Daines.

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