Richard Shelby: “I rise today to discuss U.S. military operations in Iraq. Four years ago, we invaded Iraq to disarm an oppressor's…”

“I rise today to discuss U.S. military operations in Iraq. Four years ago, we invaded Iraq to disarm an oppressor's regime and restore control of that country to its own people. In the early hours of March 20, 2003, the United States, joined by our coalition partners, began a military campaign against the regime of Saddam Hussein. Code named ``shock and awe,'' the first 24 hours of combat operations filled the country with punishing air attacks. As the massive firestorm of bombs and missiles targeted Iraqi leadership, ground forces rolled towards Iraq's capital. Without question, our military operations were swift and decisive. Approximately 120,000 U.S. troops, as well as a number of forces from our coalition partners, led the invasion into Iraq. Ground forces moved into Baghdad, formally occupied the city, and the Hussein government collapsed approximately 3 weeks after military operations began. Saddam Hussein and his top leadership were captured, killed, or forced into hiding by coalition forces. With Saddam on the run many Iraqis celebrated the downfall of the oppressive regime. While some fighting in Iraq continued, the major battles appeared over just one month after the start of the military campaign. And 43 days after announcing the beginning of the war, President Bush declared that, ``Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed.'' Undoubtedly, the President was wrong.…”