Statement of Rep. Tom Davis on Gen. Petraeus' Testimony

Statement

Statement of Rep. Tom Davis on Gen. Petraeus' Testimony

Typical of our experiences in Iraq, these reports provide a frustrating, inconclusive mix of good and bad news. The impact of the surge on the security situation, however measured or uneven, proves two things: the skill and valor of U.S. forces there, and the emerging but fragile capacity of the Iraqi people to take control of their post-Saddam fate. But the dim prospect for essential political progress suggests we may not be able to outlast the forces of instability and sectarian revenge playing out in Iraq.

I think Gen. Petraeus' testimony gave us a balanced assessment of the current security situation in Iraq. He also offered a plausible plan to draw down U.S. forces and transition our current military mission from everyday security to strategic and operational "overwatch," as our U.K. allies have done in the South of Iraq. However, Ambassador Crocker's testimony confirmed the most important elements of stable, post-Saddam Iraq remain the most elusive: political consensus and the allocation of national resources. Without that civic framework, it will be all but impossible to build "the strategic partnership" the Ambassador envisions between the United States and Iraq.

That's why it's critical to see this debate about Iraq in the context of our strategy in the broader, longer war against transnational terrorism. Like it or not, the fight in Iraq is a part of a global struggle against Islamist fanaticism. But it is just one part of a much larger strategic landscape. I'm concerned that political posturing and media focus on Iraq have left us obsessing on the battle while forgetting the war. Winning in Iraq won't end the global spread of terrorism. Nor will leaving. The debate over Iraq cannot be allowed to confuse or delay the serious, bipartisan national discussion we need to have about how to win this global, generational confrontation using all the instruments of national power: a growing economy, aggressive diplomacy, vocal participation in the battle of ideas and a strong national defense.

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