Dec 18 2007

Graham Responds to Senator Reid’s ‘Failed Strategy’ Comment

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on comments by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) who criticized Iraq war supporters for their “consistent support of a failed strategy that has kept out troops mired in an endless civil war.”

The Majority Leader made his comments after an advertisement featuring Graham began running in South Carolina.  The advertisement referenced Reid’s April comment claiming the Iraq war ‘is lost.’

Graham said:

“Senator Reid was wrong to say the Iraq war was ‘lost’ before the surge even began.  Now he is wrong to continue claiming the surge has not been successful.  Frankly, he’s trying to deny the obvious. 

“The surge has been one of the most successful counter-insurgency military operations in American history. 

“If we had mistakenly followed Senator Reid’s advice, Al Qaeda would now have a safe haven in a chaotic Iraq and moderate forces there would be under siege.

“Thanks to a successful surge, Al Qaeda has been severely pounded and is now on the run.  Simply put, the surge has been Al Qaeda’s worst nightmare.  The better security situation on the ground has provided breathing room for the forces of moderation in Iraq to begin reconciling at the local level while Iraqi security forces continue to improve by the day. 

“There is no doubt our success has come at a high price.  Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines continue to serve honorably and every success we have in Iraq only comes about because of their heroic sacrifices. 

“It’s about time Senator Reid gives our troops the credit they deserve for their historic achievements.”

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