Pentagon: The Surge Is Working

The Defense Department issued its quarterly report on the progress being made in Iraq, citing that “…the overall security situation in Iraq has greatly improved,” although the gains there remain “fragile”.

Fragile yes, but it is progress nonetheless. The report goes on to say that factors which could upset the progress being made include provincial elections and “Al Qaeda and (Iranian militants) attempts to reignite violence.” Essentially, the DOD is reaffirming what liberals and Democrats in Congress refuses to acknowledge: the continued threat of Al-Qaeda to Iraq’s progress towards a sovereign nation, and that the surge crafted by General Petraeus and ordered into action by President Bush (supported by John McCain) is working.

Some excerpts:

The surge in Coalition forces, the growth of more capable Iraqi Security Forces, operations against Al Qaeda in Iraq…and the increased willingness of the people and Government of Iraq to confront extremists…have contributed to the improved security environment.”

“There have been a number of encouraging developments in Iraqi capabilities and popular attitudes in recent months that the Government of Iraq and the Coalition are focused on maintaining. First is the improved capacity of the Iraqi Security Force, which is increasingly leading major security operations and demonstrating an ability to achieve security gains. Second is the Iraqi people are increasing choosing to address their differences in the political arena rather than through violent means. Third, government’s and Coalition’s success over the last several months against militias in Basrah, Sadr City, Mosul, Amarah and Diyala…and the Iranian-supported Special Groups (SG)…has reinforced a widespread shift in the population’s attitude toward greater rejection of the militias.”

“Iranian influence continues to pose the most significant threat to long-term stability in Iraq…it appears clear that Iran continues to fund, train, arm and direct SG intent on destabilizing the situation in Iraq.”

See the DOD Press Release here

See our previous post on the surge here

Marine Sues Congressman Murtha for Libel

Rep. John Murtha (D-Pennsylvania) and Congressional American Apologist,  is being sued for libel by Lance Corporal Justin Sharratt.  Sharratt was part of the Marine unit which was involved in what became known as the “Haditha massacre”, so dubbed by a Time magazine “exclusive” in 2006, after two dozen civilians were found dead.  The incident is primarily remembered for Rep. Murtha’s comments, referencing the marines as ”cold blood” killers.  The quote:

There was no firefight, there was no IED (improvised explosive device) that killed these innocent people.  Our troops overreacted because of the pressure on them, and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood.

Most of the officers in the case have been acquitted since the case went to trial, including Mr. Sharratt. 

See the local news story here.

The Forum supports America’s Armed Forces and we support Justin Sharratt.

Also, Murtha is being challenged for his seat by Republican William Russell, a decorated Army veteran who was encouraged to enter politics because of Murtha’s insanity. 

Quote from Mr. Russell:

I believe in the sovereignty and security of this one nation, under God. I believe the primary role of government is to provide for the common defense and a legal framework to protect families and individual liberty. … I believe that no one owes me anything just because I live and breathe..”

It is contemptible that any member of Congress abuse the power of his office to advance a political agenda by unjustly attacking our brave men and women in uniform.

Mr. Russell needs our support to oust Pelosi-stooge Congressman Murtha from his perch.

The Surge Is Working

“I am not persuaded that (the surge) is going to solve the sectarian violence there….in fact, I think it will do the reverse..” – Senator Barack Hussein Obama, January 2007

 “I think that the surge has succeeded in ways that nobody anticipated.” - Sen. Obama, September 2008