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U.S. Rep. Tom Latham (R-Iowa) was in Iraq with a congressional delegation over the weekend, and the statement he issued after his meetings wrapped up may reveal what he thinks about President Barack Obama’s promise to withdraw U.S. troops from the country quickly.
Latham seems to imply that the goal of federal policy should be to “bring our troops home safely and as quickly as possible – in victory and honor,” echoing GOP arguments from the 2008 campaign trail.
“In victory and honor” is a qualifier that is often used to say that a quick withdrawal that gives up some of the gains U.S. forces have made in Iraq would amount to a defeat, and it would bring dishonor on the armed forces.
Here’s the text of Latham’s statement:
“On my fourth trip to Iraq, I was very interested in personally seeing what progress has been made since my last visit in the fall of 2007,” said Latham. “I firmly believe that nothing can substitute for the frank and honest conversations I will have with troops who are on the ground in the region. And, I am please to see that American troops have made remarkable progress in Iraq as a result of their true commitment and sacrifice.”
“The progress and success does not overshadow the somber fact that there is much more work to be done. Our meeting with General Odierno and Ambassador Crocker cautioned us that the gains realized by the surge and the political reconciliation process are still fragile. We must be committed to continuing to listen to the expertise of our commanders on the ground and providing the resources and support that will bring our troops home safely and as quickly as possible – in victory and honor.”
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