Friday, September 14, 2007

I sure hope he’s right   [Pete Hegseth]

After watching President Bush's speech tonight, I immediately thought two things: First, I admire the fact that he has the courage and resolve to complete the mission in Iraq. It’s not an easy stance—and there have been huge mistakes—but it’s important…and he gets that.

Second, for the sake of this country, I hope and pray he’s right.

Past mistakes in Iraq have put us in a tenuous situation there. But today we finally have the correct strategy and we’re finally taking the fight to the enemy in a comprehensive manner. The surge is working, local residents are turning against al Qaeda, and local security forces are gaining strength and influence.

However, all of these gains are, at best, still precarious. If we draw down too soon, things will slip backwards. In light of this fact, the president’s insinuation that by December terrorists could be “defeated” and civil society could “take root” piqued my critical interest. Such an environment, goes the argument, would allow us to remove over 5,000 additional troops in December.

Again, I hope he’s correct. And with General Petraeus’s blessing, I have confidence in this assessment. However, America has heard “by December…” before, and this time, it’s imperative that security improvements drive the predictions. In light of the incredible security progress made thus far, I trust they will. But, as the military always says, “the enemy has a vote” and there is still a great deal left to be done.

09/14 12:42 AMShare