Orrin Hatch: “In February I addressed the Senate about our progress in Iraq. I categorized the results of General Petraeus'…”

“In February I addressed the Senate about our progress in Iraq. I categorized the results of General Petraeus' comprehensive counterinsurgency strategy as being remarkable. When General Petraeus first began to implement his strategy 16 months ago, I was optimistic. However, I must admit that I did not expect to see the level of success that has been accomplished in such a short period of time. What are those accomplishments? Al-Qaida has largely been removed from its sanctuaries in Ramadi, Fallujah, Baghdad and much of the Diyala province. I went there when all those were seemingly under Al-Qaida control. I also went back and walked the streets of Ramadi after the surge. That was the second trip. Make no mistake, these are major victories. However, what has largely gone unnoticed by the media, is that even in the less than 2 months since General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker came before Congress, these successes have continued and expanded. Which leads me to ask the obvious question? Why, with all of these accomplishments that were attained through the blood, sweat and tears of our service members and their families, do the members on the other side of the aisle insist upon throwing it all away by setting arbitrary deadlines for the removal of the bulk of our forces from Iraq?”