John Thune: “Isn't it true that recently both Ramadi--particularly Ramadi, but also Fallujah is a basically secure area. The last…”

“Isn't it true that recently both Ramadi--particularly Ramadi, but also Fallujah is a basically secure area. The last time there has been an attack at Ramadi--they have gone many days. Yet somehow that escapes the notice of some of our colleagues. In fact, I don't know if my friend from South Dakota is, is aware of what Lieutenant General Lamb, the British lieutenant general, the deputy commander of Multi-National Force, said the other day when the growing sentiment in our Congress to bring U.S. troops home sooner affected the mood of troops deployed in Iraq. He said: I find it a touch difficult because it was so clear to them that we are making progress. It is not reflected by those who are not in the fight but are sitting back and making judgment upon what they, the troops, can see with absolute clarity. I guess my question for the Senator from South Dakota is, Is there a disconnect between the rhetoric we hear and all of this stuff about how we are losing--and the majority leader of the Senate said we had lost-- and the realities on the ground as reflected by the men and who are fighting?”