Iraqi PM to U.S. Congress: Iraq to Become 'Graveyard for Terrorism'

American Forces Press Service ^ | Donna Miles

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2006 – Iraq is the front line in the war on terror and ultimately will serve as a "graveyard for terrorism," Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told a joint session of Congress here today. Maliki repeatedly thanked the lawmakers for the United States' steadfast support for his country and assured them that Iraq will remain a solid ally in the terror war. "Iraq will never forget those who stood with her ... and who continue to stand with her in times of need," he said.

The prime minister compared the losses Iraq faces at the hands of Islamic extremists to those the U.S. experienced during the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. "Thousands of lives were tragically lost on Sept. 11th, when these imposters of Islam reared their ugly head," he said. "Thousands more continue to die in Iraq today at the hands of the same terrorists who show complete disregard for human life."

The prime minister praised the U.S. and other coalition partners who ousted former dictator Saddam Hussein and now are helping Iraq overcome terrorists who aim to derail its new democracy.

"Many around the world ... underestimated the resolve of Iraq's people and were sure that we would never reach this stage. Few believed in us," he said. "But you, the American people, did -- and we are grateful for this."

Terrorists continue to threaten Iraq, but Maliki insisted that the Iraqi people, with help from their friends abroad, will prevail against them.

I "will not allow Iraq to become a launch pad for al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations," he said. "Trust that Iraq will be the graveyard for terrorism and terrorists, ... for the good of all humanity."

Maliki said the outcome of the terror war in Iraq will impact the rest of the free world. "Do not think that this is an Iraqi problem," he cautioned.

"This terrorist front is a threat to every free nation in the world and their citizens," he said. "What is at stake is nothing less than our freedom and liberty. Confronting and dealing with this challenge is the responsibility of every liberal democracy that values its freedom."

He acknowledged that the road ahead will be bumpy, but said continued vigilance will ensure victory over terrorism. "The coming few days are difficult, and the challenges are considerable" he said.

"Iraq and America both need each other to defeat the terror engulfing the free world," he said. "In partnership, we will be triumphant because we will never be slaves to terror, for God has made us free."

Following today's session with Congress, Maliki was slated to join President Bush in visiting servicemembers and their families at Fort Belvoir, Va.

[SandRat]

Bush, Iraqi Prime Minister Thank Fort Belvoir Troops for Support

By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2006 – President Bush introduced Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to "some of the finest citizens in the United States of America" at Fort Belvoir, Va., today.

Bush and Maliki visited the northern Virginia post, which is home to 120 military organizations representing every branch of the service, to thank about 300 servicemembers, military family members and civilian employees for their support for the war on terror.

Defeating terrorism is essential for freedom to succeed, Bush said. "And that's why we've sent some of our finest citizens to help you, Mr. Prime Minister," he told Maliki at the Fort Belvoir Community Club. "We want you to succeed. And I'm confident we will succeed."

Bush promised Maliki that the United States will stand by its promise and complete the mission in Iraq. "We owe it to those who've served in combat," he said. "We owe it to those who've lost a limb. We owe it to those who've lost a life."

The president singled out a Fort Belvoir soldier, Army Sgt. 1st Class Scott Smith, who died July 17 in Iskandariyah, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during a controlled ordnance-clearing mission. Smith, age 34, was assigned to the 52nd Ordnance Group's 737th Explosive Ordnance Detachment.

"He helped save lives. He helped lay the foundation for peace," Bush told the group of their fallen comrade. "And in honor of his memory and ... the memory of others who have gone before him, in honor of the thousands of Iraqis who have died at the hands of terrorists, we will complete the mission."

Maliki saluted the troops for what they have offered Iraq. The prime minister told the servicemembers that Iraqis will never forget the sacrifices American troops have made for them. He said he understands all too well the pain those losses bring because 67 of his family members were executed under Saddam Hussein's regime.

"On behalf of myself and...the Iraqi people, I would like to thank you and thank your families," he said. "I would like to appreciate your losses, your sacrifices, ... the bitterness of those who have lost loved ones," he said. "We feel pain and sorrow for every drop of blood that falls in Iraq."

Terrorists will continue violence as they attempt to kill democracy, Maliki said. "But they will fail, because we are committed to success, and we are committed to democracy," he said. "And we are confident that we will succeed, because you and people like you are helping us to confront terrorism."

Servicemembers at the session said they felt awed to meet the president and prime minister and inspired by their message.

"It was pretty awesome that they took time out of their busy schedules to thank us personally for our service," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dan Medina, an instructor with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency who is stationed at Fort Belvoir.

Medina said he was particularly struck by Bush's message that every servicemember's job is important to the mission, and that family members serve the country right alongside military members.

After three deployments to Iraq, Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jerome Leary said today's visit gave him confidence that the U.S. mission there is progressing. Leary, also an instructor at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, said it was heartwarming to hear both Bush and Maliki thank the troops for their support before shaking every hand in the audience and posing for photos around the room.

"It felt good to hear them say that they know the sacrifices servicemembers and their families are making and appreciate those sacrifices," the 15-year Marine said.

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Onyiego Ochieng said he felt "really touched" that Bush described him and his fellow servicemembers as America's finest. "It felt really special to have him personally thank us and tell us on a personal level that he appreciates what we do," said Ochieng, branch chief for the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office, at Fort Belvoir.

Ochieng remembered back to the first days of Operation Iraqi Freedom, when he was deployed in the Persian Gulf aboard USS Austin. Today's visit by the democratically elected prime minister of Iraq brought that experience full circle, he said. "He told us he understands our sacrifices, knows we will succeed and believes in what we are doing," he said. "It was really powerful."

For Army Staff Sgt. Carlton Hunter, a personnel noncommissioned officer in Fort Belvoir's Adjutant General's office, today's visit was an eye-opener. Hunter is due to move to Fort Drum, N.Y., in October to become part of the 10th Mountain Division and expects that a deployment to Iraq is in his future.

Hunter said the visit reinforced his belief in the U.S. mission in Iraq. "I completely support it, and am looking forward to going over there," he said.

The nine-year-Army veteran said he was surprised at his own reaction to President Bush. "It was a little overwhelming, a lot different than I expected after seeing him so much on TV," he said. "I couldn't stop smiling."

[SandRat]

Two great stories in one thread.

[ModelBreaker]

CBS, NBC, ABC and CNN all had this as their lead story today.