Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) “on Tuesday lauded the official end of combat operations in Iraq, but also took pointed shots at President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) for opposing the battle plan that made the withdrawal of troops possible,” Roll Call reports.
The Bluegrass State Republican, in a speech scheduled for delivery Tuesday afternoon in Lexington, Ky., credited President George W. Bush for showing determination in the region the face of Democratic opposition, and for championing a surge strategy that helped turn the tide of the war and quell a terrorist insurgency.
“As some of you may know, the president tonight is expected to declare the end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq. As the Senator from a state that has carried a very heavy burden in this war, I think we can all say this is very welcome news. This is a time to be grateful for the incredible sacrifices the men and women in the armed forces have made, are making, and will continue to make on our behalf in the struggle against terrorism,” McConnell said, according to remarks released by his office.
“But I think we should also be thankful that another president had the determination and the will to carry out the plan that made tonight’s announcement possible,” he continued. “You might recall that the surge wasn’t very popular when it was announced. You might also recall that one of its biggest critics was the current president. One of his colleagues said the war was already a lost cause, implying, of course, that any further efforts on the part of our troops would be in vain.”
Reid declared in April of 2007 that the surge was a failure and the Iraq war was lost. “I believe myself that the secretary of State, secretary of Defense and — you have to make your own decisions as to what the president knows … this war is lost and the surge is not accomplishing anything as indicated by the extreme violence in Iraq yesterday,” he said at the time.
(credit image – daylife/associated press)
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