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Webb praises Obama on Iraq withdrawal
Jeff Schapiro
August 3, 2010
Sen. Jim Webb, who ran against Republican incumbent George Allen in 2006 as an opponent of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, is pleased with President Barack Obama's promise to complete the withdrawal of American combat troops from that nation by the end of this month. "I cautioned long before the invasion of Iraq that it is not in our nation's strategic interest to become an occupying force in the region," Webb said in written statement yesterday. "As such, I welcome President Obama's commitment to withdraw all combat troops from Iraq by Aug. 31.
Sen. Jim Webb, who ran against Republican incumbent George Allen in 2006 as an opponent of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, is pleased with President Barack Obama's promise to complete the withdrawal of American combat troops from that nation by the end of this month.
"I cautioned long before the invasion of Iraq that it is not in our nation's strategic interest to become an occupying force in the region," Webb said in written statement yesterday. "As such, I welcome President Obama's commitment to withdraw all combat troops from Iraq by Aug. 31.
Webb, a Democrat who serves on the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, continued, "I am also heartened by the president's stated intention for all U.S. troops to leave Iraq by the end of 2011."
Obama, speaking in Atlanta yesterday to the national convention of the Disabled American Veterans, said the planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq is proceeding "as promised" and should lead to an end of America's combat mission there by Aug. 31.
As for the war in Afghanistan, Webb isn't saying anything -- for now. Webb repeated that he will not comment on Obama's troop buildup there until the administration reports to Congress in December.
U.S. Rep. Robert J. Wittman, R-1st, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, also issued a statement after Obama's remarks.
Wittman attributed the success in Iraq to the "service and sacrifice" of American forces as well as Gen. David Petraeus, who recommended the surge strategy now in place there.
"While the Iraqi security situation has improved, there is still work to be done," Wittman said.