Iraq milestones.
American troops in Iraq continue to perform at the highest level. They, Coalition partners, Iraqi troops, Iraqi civic leaders, and the Iraqi people deserve our praise.
The Iraq campaign is critical to America’s national interests. It is the first point of attack by Al Qaeda. Iraq is the main battlefield of the Global War on Terrorism. As we learned on 9/11, what goes on in the Middle East has a direct effect on the national security of the United States.
There is recently a public sense in America, however, that the campaign to form a peaceful, secure, and democratic Iraq has become aimless. It has not. Nevertheless, there are calls for a timetable for the withdrawl of American troops. That would be the same thing as simply surrendering to the terrorists.
Our troops will come home when the job is done because then they will have achieved victory. It is victory for which we have strived, and it is victory we will have. Yes. It is happening. It is within reach.
A review is in order of our major accomplishments. Second, a look ahead is warranted at milestones we can expect to accomplish with in the future.
Major accomplishments
- Iraq prevented from conquering Kuwait and other Middle East countries.
- Oppressive regimes of no-fly zones and “oil-for-food” abolished.
- UN and individuals investigated for oil-for-food corruption.
- Iraq liberated.
- Neighboring countries shielded from scud missile attacks.
- Saddam deposed.
- Determination that Iraq did not have a current stock of WMD in any great quantities, or that some WMD may have been destroyed or transferred out of country.
- With Saddam deposed, elimination of the previously plausible potential of Saddam building WMD and giving it to terrorists.
- All US troops withdrawn from Saudi Arabia, eliminating one of Al Qaeda’s major recruiting points.
- UN sanctions on Iraq eliminated, eliminating another of Al Qaeda’s major recruiting points.
- Saddam’s two sons, both murderous criminals, killed.
- Saddam captured. Prosecution for crimes against humanity in a free Iraqi court readied.
- Iraq oil revenue secured for the Iraqi people.
- Prevention of ethnic cleansing.
- Corrupt and tainted Iraq security force structure disbanded.
- New Iraq currency introduced.
- Economic development in Iraq promoted.
- Sovereignty over Iraq transferred to Iraqi government.
- Iranian-backed rebellion of Shia leader Moqtada Al-Sadr quashed. His group is brought into regular, accountable Iraq political system.
- Free elections in Iraq held and leaders are elected.
- Key insurgent strongholds rooted out in Fallujah and elsewhere.
- Many Al Qaeda lieutenants killed or captured.
- In wake of fate of Saddam, Libyan leader Col. Khaddafy voluntarily gives up nuclear weapons program, leading to unraveling of Pakistani scientist A.Q. Khan’s black market in nuclear weapons technology.
- In wake of liberation of Iraq, Lebanese people emboldened to speak up and resist Syrian oppression. Syria forced to withdraw troops from Lebanon.
- Iran exposed to increased scrutiny over nuclear weapons program, oppression of citizens, and phony elections.
What can we expect in the future as a result of our great efforts and sacrifices in Iraq? What are the milestones that we should expect to see in the future?
Future milestones
- August 15, 2005: new Iraq constitution is due to be submitted.
- Referendum held on new constitution.
- Comprehensive free Iraqi elections to be held and put on normal schedule.
- Iraqi army, police, and security forces rebuit over time.
- Iraqi upper-level military command structure, including generals, rebuilt over time.
- As Iraqi forces grow in strength, training, and number, so that Iraq can defend herself, American and Coalition troop strength gradually reduced over time.
- Baathist insurgents are fought, and possibly offered a deal to break off fighting.
- Increased Sunni participation in Iraq government and public affairs.
- Al Qaeda general Zarqawi captured or killed.
- Growing stability and security in Iraq. Reduced number of terrorist murders over given time periods.
- Reacting to liberty in Iraq, internal political pressure grows on Syrian dictator Bashar Assad.
- Lebanon regains self-determination.
- Free elections held in Libya.
- International community emboldened to hold Iranian regime to closer account. Iranian people emboldened to stand up straight for their own freedom.
- Securing of Iraq’s borders.
- Prosecution of Saddam Hussein.
As we reach these milestones, we draw closer to victory.
Our brave and inspiring troops have already accomplished much in the course of this historic campaign. They know how to finish the job and they are capable of doing it. They just need our support.
I want our servicemen and servicewomen to know our thoughts and prayers are with them, and that we back them 100%. They are earning a special place in the hearts of Americans, of Iraqis, and of freedom-loving people around the world. They are leaving their mark, and changing history for the better.
Update: 25 June 2005. Added referendum.