Reed Comments on Combat Troop Withdrawl From Iraq

“With the end of the combat mission in Iraq, we owe our brave men and women a debt of gratitude for their service. While US troops will remain in Iraq for quite some time moving forward, it is clear that we have reached a milestone with the removal of the last combat troops.

 

Iraqis have been steadily improving in providing their own security and rule of law is steadily replacing fear as the way of life. Even in light of closely contested elections, the Iraqi people are resisting violence. That in itself is tremendous progress toward long-term democracy.

 

Perhaps one day, if the Iraqi people continue to step up and ensure continued progress, Iraq will be an example of how democracy can work in the Arab world. And in broader terms, every day of young democracy in Iraq is a long-term blow to Al-Qaeda and Islamic extremists.

 

None of this would be possible without the sacrifices made by the members of our military. We should never forget what they have done for us in the name of freedom.”