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August 20, 2010

Politicians weigh in on troop pullout

By vanessa Mccray vmccray@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Just days ago, U.S. Sen. Carl Levin reiterated the need for U.S. troops to leave Iraq.

Thursday, the last U.S. combat forces withdrew.

The Michigan senator, also chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, acknowledged the "instability" in parts of the country, but said continuing to pull out of the country was the best solution.

"But, we can't do it for them, and unless we tell them we're serious about leaving, you know, they are going to rely on us to be the, uh, firemen — to put out the fire. And, we can't be in that position in Iraq, and shouldn't be in that position," Levin told the Record-Eagle editorial board during a Tuesday visit to Traverse City.

Levin did not mention the earlier-than-expected troop withdrawal during the interview this week. His spokesman on Thursday said Levin was traveling and unavailable for comment. The senator did issue a written statement on the troop departure.

"Today is a day to remember the service and sacrifice of so many brave Americans in Iraq over the last seven years. Sadly, that sacrifice has not led to the political settlement so vital to Iraq's future. Only the Iraqis can reach that settlement, which is essential to ending the violence," Levin stated.

Other members of Michigan's congressional delegation also were unavailable for comment but released written statements.

"As our last U.S. brigade combat team leaves Iraq, we honor the brave men and women who have made great sacrifices to serve our country. We will continue to support the tens of thousands of American troops that are still on the ground training Iraqi forces, but a free and stable Iraq can only be secured by the Iraqis. I am pleased the Iraqi people are standing up, so we can fulfill our promise and bring our service men and women home safely," stated U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

U.S. Rep. Dave Camp also acknowledged the troops.

"Today as the U.S. moves from a combat to an advisory role in Iraq, we reflect on the bravery of our men and women in uniform who have fought to keep our country safe. We thank all those who have and continue to serve in Iraq for their service and sacrifice. We must continue to honor them as they return home by meeting the needs of those who have given so much for us," Camp stated.

U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak called the combat withdrawal "an encouraging and positive step" but urged remembering the personnel who "remain in Iraq in advisory roles through the end of next year."

"We must not forget their continued sacrifice. Our communities and our lives will be forever impacted by those who have served and have now returned home and particularly the memory of those who will never return," Stupak continued. "Only the Iraqi people can solve their own internal conflicts, bring peace and establish stability in their country. For more than seven years, one of our nation's great resources, our young men and women, have been caught in the middle of a civil war, which can only be solved through political reconciliation, not through further military involvement."

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