John Cornyn: “this past weekend, the people of Iraq voted on their new constitution. Soon they will participate in parliamentary…”

“this past weekend, the people of Iraq voted on their new constitution. Soon they will participate in parliamentary elections that will provide for a fully constitutional government. By any measure of history, the nation of Iraq has made remarkable progress in the past 2 years despite the criticism of naysayers who seem, in some instances, intent on scoring political points more than encouraging our brave comrades to win the war in Iraq and assist us in winning the larger global war on terror. Iraqi participation in this election yesterday was strong, including Sunnis who boycotted the January election. The election was also more peaceful than the previous election, in large measure due to the determination and professionalism of the new Iraqi security services. If 3 short years ago someone would have predicted the Iraqis would vote on a constitution in the near future, the same critics who are today calling for retreat would have scoffed. However, the critics have consistently underestimated the Iraqi people, the American military, and, I might add, the American people as well. America must remain engaged in stabilization efforts in order to ensure the triumph of democracy over the return of tyranny. Since the beginning of the war on terror, members of our military have been asked to execute both difficult and dangerous work. As always, the good men and women who serve have met these challenges with determination, courage, and honor.…”