LIEBERMAN PRAISES PROGRESS IN IRAQ, URGES ENDURING COMMITMENT

WASHINGTON, DC -- Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (ID-CT) today issued the following statement about Iraq:

"Tomorrow marks the deadline set by President Obama for the withdrawal of all combat forces from Iraq and the drawdown of our military presence in that country to 50,000 troops. The achievement of this milestone reflects the extraordinary progress achieved in Iraq since the dark days just a few years ago when the country was convulsed by violence and many believed that all hope was lost.

"The remarkable turnaround in Iraq is due to many factors, but it would not have been possible without the courageous decision of President Bush to launch the surge in 2007 -- initiating a set of policies that President Obama, to his great credit, has sustained and built upon to bring us to this day. It also would not have been possible without the extraordinary and innovative leadership of General David Petraeus, General Ray Odierno, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker -- three individuals to whom our nation owes the deepest gratitude and admiration. Most of all, however, the success we have achieved in Iraq is thanks to the heroism and sacrifices of innumerable Americans and Iraqis -- both soldiers and civilians -- who together fought back against the forces of extremism and barbarism that nearly engulfed the heart of the Middle East. As a result of their heroic efforts, Iraq is no longer a threat to her neighbors or to the peace and stability of the region and the world.

"While American forces have been able to draw down as Iraqi forces have become more capable, President Obama has wisely made clear that our commitment to Iraq is neither wavering nor diminishing. Indeed, our continued engagement remains critical in supporting the Iraqis as they work to secure their country from its enemies and make real the full promise of their nascent democracy. What is at stake is nothing less than the emergence of a stable, prosperous democracy in the center of the Middle East that is allied with us in the broader war against Islamist extremism. While Americans will no doubt continue to debate the decision to go to war in 2003, there should be no debate about the need to do everything in our power now to ensure the success of Iraq -- the best and only way to fully honor the precious blood and treasure our nation has expended there so that no one will ever fear that those Americans who gave their lives in Iraq died in vain.

"This requires, in particular, that Congress provide critical funding for the Iraqi Security Forces and for the American civilian presence in Iraq that will be assuming a growing share of responsibility there as the military steps back. Failure to ensure this support -- which is extremely modest in comparison to the billions of dollars already spent in Iraq -- quite literally risks snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

"I am also increasingly concerned by the political impasse in Iraq and the failure of the parties to form a government. The Iraqi people who went to the polls six months ago deserve a democratic government that reflects their votes, respects their rights, and answers their needs.

"Some reports indicate that, after a new Iraqi government is formed, it may request, in the context of our strategic partnership, that some U.S. military presence endure beyond December 2011. Should this happen, I hope and expect that the Obama administration will be receptive to any proposals by our Iraqi partners. Any decisions about the American military in Iraq after 2011 must of course be driven by the initiative of the democratically-elected Iraqi government -- and Iraqis should know that America stands ready to listen carefully to their voices and support them as an equal partner and ally.

"I do not hesitate to say that we and our Iraqi allies have won the war in Iraq. The question now is whether we together have the strategic patience and fortitude to secure the peace in Iraq. I am confident that we can -- and I know that we must."

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