McKeon On Iraq Withdrawal: Work To Be Done To Ensure Iraq’s Security

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House Armed Services Committee chair Buck McKeon released the following statement on the announcement of U.S. withdrawal from Iraq:

“Today the President announced the withdrawal of all combat forces from Iraq by the end of the year. Over a million Americans and their Iraqi partners can be proud of what we have achieved since 2003. Together we toppled one of the world’s most heinous dictators and established a democracy in the heart of the Middle East. Together we fought and defeated extremists and terrorists who would have torn the fabric of Iraqi society apart. Much remains to be done and America’s commitment to Iraqi stability, security, and freedom endures. I hope that Iraq will always look to the United States as a partner in that freedom as they travel the challenging road ahead.

“I remain concerned that this full withdrawal of US forces will make that road tougher than it needs to be. Multiple experts have testified before my committee that the Iraqis still lack important capacities in their ability to maintain their internal stability and territorial integrity. These shortcomings could reverse the decade of hard work and sacrifice both countries have endured to build a free Iraq.”

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