Schmidt on Petraeus report

Rep. Jean Schmidt issued this statement today:


"What I have witnessed in Iraq is quite similar to the testimony of General Petreaus. Significant progress is being made on the security front. In my meetings with Iraqi officials, I told them I was not happy with the pace of progress on the political front. I continue to be frustrated by this lack of progress. A more secure environment will certainly foster the opportunity to build trust and achieve reconciliation. I wish our mission were finished, but it is not. We cannot simply walk away.

"These are tough times. But given the investment we have made and the progress we have witnessed, I remain firmly committed to giving our troops the resources they need to achieve success. In my conversations with our young men and women in uniform in Baghdad, that is all that they have ever asked of me.

"Politics should not be a factor in these decisions. We have the best military in the world. General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker say they are making progress but need more time. I think politicians who are trying to make political gains with this issue are ill-advised. My position may not be popular with everyone but it is what I believe in my heart is the right thing to do.

"I am confident that we can succeed in Iraq. I want to bring our troops home in victory, not in defeat. They are asking for more time. I believe that as long as we are making progress, we should let them have it."