The Conaway Chronicle

U.S. Congressman Mike Conaway
Published: 09-13-07

The War on terror: General Petreus Report
The month of September is one full of many decisions when it comes to the war we are fighting against the violent jihadists in Iraq and Afghanistan. Last week we heard from the GAO (Government Accountability Office) on benchmarks of the Iraqi government and from the Jones commission on the status of the Iraqi Security Forces.

Yesterday General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker gave a report in a joint hearing before the House Armed Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the military advancements made thus far in Iraq and their outlook on our future in the embattled country.

This long-awaited hearing delivered a progress report on the success of the troop surge and gave an overall assessment of the situation in Iraq. Both General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker have devoted their lives to this country. Their exemplary service in this fight makes them the most knowledgeable and credible on the situation on the ground in Iraq.

To that end General Petraeus’ report provides us with a straightforward evaluation of the security and political conditions in Iraq. He reported that it is his assessment that we can begin reducing our forces beginning the end of September and continuing until next summer. He made it clear that while we begin the reduction in forces that it is imperative that such reduction not be rapid or premature. It is of the utmost importance that we take more time to capitalize on recent successes.

General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker both expressed concern that civilian progress must accelerate to take full advantage the military progress that has been made. The General’s recommendations will require continued hard work and sacrifice but should lead to the ultimate goal we all want of a stable and democratic Iraq. It is my hope that Members of Congress will value the words of a decorated military general put aside their partisanship and give our efforts in Iraq led by a our magnificent men and women in uniform the opportunity to be successful.

Tuesday marked the Sixth Anniversary of the September 11th violent jihadists attacks. On that fateful Tuesday morning America awoke to scenes of unimaginable horror and the reality of an uncertain future in a forever changed world. We as a country lost our innocence and realized the ruthless brutality of those who wish to eradicate our freedoms and endanger our lives.

Yet while the horror and sorrow tested our spirits and strength the morning of September 11th also united a patriotic America with the zeal and dedication not seen since the days after the Pearl Harbor attack. On this sixth anniversary of 9/11 we must remember the innocent Americans who lost their lives the heroic first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in order help others and our men and women in uniform who risk their lives everyday for our freedom.

Let us remember the patriotism and unity we felt on September 11th in the days ahead and continue to fight against Islamic jihadists and hate in memory of that dark and horrifying Tuesday morning that changed our lives forever.

Congress is in recess for the remainder of the week to observe the Jewish Holiday Rosh Hashanah. The Conaway Chronicle will resume in two weeks.

If you have any questions concerns or suggestions for future issues of the Conaway Chronicle please visit the website at www.house.gov/conaway or don’t hesitate to call me at (202) 225-3605. Check out my blog at www.conawayblog.com!