By Congresswoman Virginia Foxx
America is at war with terrorists, enemies who do not wear a uniform, but nonetheless pose a threat of colossal proportions. These terrorists are focused on destroying Americans and all those who do not subscribe to their twisted version of radical Islam. Iraq is the central front in this Global War on Terror. Success in Iraq translates to a safer and more secure America.
The current war effort in Iraq has not been as effective as it could have been, with substantial setbacks and the tragic loss of American lives. Yet, there has been positive news in the Global War on Terror. America has not experienced an attack on our soil since 9/11. In fact President Bush recently outlined numerous attacks that have been prevented and spoke of real successes in defeating terrorism around the globe. Regrettably many of those successes go unnoticed or are classified. While there have been setbacks, there has been progress and Americans are safer at home because of these efforts.
It is important to recognize that the goal of a free and democratic Iraq is laudable in its intentions. Unfortunately, things that were not anticipated have occurred and we must adapt and embrace a new direction to accomplish this mission. I want to bring the troops home as soon as possible, yet at this juncture, that is not a wise option. We must finish the work in assisting Iraq in creating a fully functioning, self-reliant government. If this fails, the entire region and world will feel the horrific repercussions of spawning terrorism.
It is time to end the partisan bickering. We must support our troops and their mission and give them the tools and reinforcements necessary to achieve success. We are a nation at war, and we must unite to accomplish the long and difficult challenges that lie ahead of us. Victory is our only choice.
The central problem in Iraq currently is the sectarian violence between the Sunnis and Shiites. On February 22, 2006, the holiest Shiite site of worship, the Aslariya shrine in Samarra was bombed and destroyed. This was an intentional attack aimed at creating a civil war and was a major turning point in Iraq when sectarian violence rapidly increased with much of the violence focused in Baghdad.
Assessing the current situation, the generals on the ground realized the best solution to end the perpetual violence and to secure Baghdad would be to send more troops to restore peace and stability in Iraq’s capital. They have called for reinforcements to secure Iraq, to restore order and to continue rebuilding the military, political and economic sectors. American troops have also been given the authority to engage the enemy more aggressively, so that the death squads and bombings can be stopped. This change in direction was not drafted hastily or without deep scrutiny. Prime Minister Maliki, President Bush, top generals at the Pentagon and in Iraq agree that this is the best solution to the current situation. While Congress must recognize that there is only one Commander-In-Chief, this does not relieve Congress of its Constitutional obligation to exercise oversight.
Congress must assess the progress of this new direction and proposed solution. Republicans have called upon Speaker Pelosi to support the creation of a bipartisan select committee with equal party representation to exercise oversight of this new direction. In addition, Republicans have set forth a series of aggressive benchmarks allowing Congress and the American public to measure if progress is being made. These benchmarks come with the expectation that they will be met.
While an immediate fix to the current situation in Iraq is not feasible, to turn our backs on this severe and ever-growing threat to America would lead to an emboldened, more determined enemy. America currently faces an ideological clash of civilizations. We must adapt to challenges on the battlefield, finish the mission in Iraq, and accept nothing short of victory.
Editor’s Note: Virginia Foxx is a United States Representative from North Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District. You may contact her office toll free at 1-866-677-8968 or e-mail her from her website, www.foxx.house.gov.
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