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In a huge victory in the War on Terror, last Wednesday night, Special Operations Forces, acting on tips and intelligence from Iraqis, confirmed the location of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and delivered justice to the most wanted terrorist in Iraq. Zarqawi, the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq and the most visible face of the insurgency in Iraq, personally beheaded American hostages and other civilians in Iraq. He led a campaign of car bombings, assassinations and suicide attacks that have taken the lives of many Americans and thousands of innocent Iraqis. Zarqawi sought to defeat America and our Coalition partners – and turn Iraq into a safe haven from which al-Qaeda could wage its war. His death is an important victory for American, Iraqi and coalition forces and is also a serious blow to the insurgency.
I was pleased to hear that the critical information that led American Special Forces to al-Zarqawi came from Iraqi citizens and Iraqi security forces. The death of al-Zarqawi is a significant success for the new, freely-elected Iraqi government and the Iraqi people. During the announcement about Zarqawi's death we also learned that the three remaining security ministry cabinet positions--Minister of Defense, Minister of Interior State, Minister of National Security-- in Iraq had been filled. The Iraqi people, their elected representatives and the brave men and women who serve in the Iraqi police and armed forces deserve enormous credit for their willingness to work every day to bring peace and freedom to their nation.
This success also is a testament to America's armed forces and intelligence services. Their dedication to duty and their focus on their mission will, I am confident, lead us to victory in Iraq and the broader War on Terror. I am grateful for their willingness to serve and to defend America.
Although al Zarqawi is dead, al Qaeda in Iraq still poses a threat. As the President and others have warned al Qaeda members will continue to try to terrorize Iraqis and destabilize the government. In his address to the nation on Thursday morning, President Bush said, "We have tough days ahead of us in Iraq that will require the continued patience of the American people. Yet the developments of the last 24 hours give us renewed confidence in the final outcome of this struggle: the defeat of terrorism threats, and a more peaceful world for our children and grandchildren." The American military and coalition forces are doing great work in Iraq. Their mission is important to the future of our country and other peaceful countries around the world--we must let them finish their job. |
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