Fla Senator: Credit Bush’s Troop Surge

Fri, February 27, 2009 - 3:28 PM

Sen. Mel Martinez says former President George W. Bush's move to increase the number of troops in Iraq in 2007 should now get credit for enabling President Barack Obama to announce today he is pulling all U.S. combat from there by August 2010.

“Given the unquestioned success of the surge led by President Bush and generals (David) Petraeus and (Raymond) Ordierno, it is now possible for this kind of drawdown (of troops),” said Republican Martinez of Obama’s announcement today.

Martinez spokesman Ken Lundberg said the surge is the reason why enough stability is now in place for Obama to keep his campaign promise regarding getting troops out of Iraq.

Even after the drawdown of about 100,000 U.S. combat troops, a sizable U.S. force of 35,000 to 50,000 troops will stay in Iraq under a new mission of training, civilian protection and counterterrorism.

Martinez said he agrees with that move: “Leaving a substantial number of troops in place to assist Iraqis in providing an environment for the rule of law to thrive is an action that will ensure the gains we have made in Iraq hold firm.”

-- Billy House, Media General News Service.