Tom Udall: “over 3 years our Nation has invested in Iraq. In human and political costs it has been a heavy toll. We have lost…”

“over 3 years our Nation has invested in Iraq. In human and political costs it has been a heavy toll. We have lost thousands of American and Iraqi lives, spent billions of dollars, and squandered the greatest outpouring of international support in decades. And through it all, we have misplaced our focus on the threat of Islamic terrorism. It is time for us to prepare to redeploy our forces from Iraq by the end of the year. Mr. Murtha is right: redeploy but be ready. Some successes have occurred. {time} 1215 The recent killing of Islamic extremist al Zarqawi by coalition forces offers an opportunity to stem the steady tide of internal terrorist attacks in Iraq, while the welcome news that several important cabinet ministers have been appointed demonstrates that progress is being made. Nevertheless, these glimpses of optimism cannot mask the overwhelming recognition that this was a war of choice. The administration invaded Iraq without the necessary international support and without plans for stability, reconstruction, and governance. Earlier this year I visited Iraq and saw firsthand the reality of our investment. While our troops bravely fight, there were few areas of security or safety. Sectarian violence and civil strife have eclipsed the progress of free elections. Unemployment continues unabated. Radical clerics promote hate, and anti-American sentiment has spread with fervor.…”