Lynn C. Woolsey: “today, without a doubt, we should congratulate the Iraqi people for what appears to be a successful, high-turnout…”

“today, without a doubt, we should congratulate the Iraqi people for what appears to be a successful, high-turnout election. For the third time this year, courageous Iraqi citizens have enthusiastically exercised their democratic rights. But successful elections do not, and cannot, obscure the devastating national tragedy that is the Iraq war. It doesn't change the fact that over 2,100 Americans have died for weapons of mass destruction that never existed. It doesn't change the fact that this war has turned Iraq into a hotbed of terrorist activity. It doesn't change the fact that our troops are sitting ducks for the insurgents, who have been emboldened--not deterred--by our military presence in Iraq. Here's the bottom line: a successful Iraqi election should, at the very least, reinforce the imperative of bringing our troops home. If Iraq is truly able to self-govern, then we have no business occupying their country and meddling in their affairs. I've argued all year long that it's time to restore Iraqi sovereignty and give Iraq back to the Iraqi people. If the election is a watershed moment as the White House claims . . . then what is the continued justification for having our troops over there in harm's way? Now is the time to enlist the support of the international community to establish an interim security force for Iraq. But that's just the start.…”