Wilson Praises Political Progress in Iraq

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CONTACT: Emily Lawrimore
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June 15, 2006

Wilson Praises Political Progress in Iraq

Today, members of the U.S. House of Representatives debated H.Res. 861, a resolution declaring that the United States will prevail in the Global War on Terror. Congressman Joe Wilson, Co-Chair of the Victory in Iraq Caucus, made the following statement regarding political progress in Iraq:

“In only three years, the world has watched the nation of Iraq transform from a brutal dictatorship into a promising democracy. Saddam’s torture chambers and mass graves have been replaced with democracy’s voting booths and legislative referendums.

“Today, Iraqi citizens are working tirelessly to secure their freedoms. By participating in the election of a Transitional Assembly in January 2005, the drafting and approval of the Constitution by October 2005, and the national elections in December 2005, they have demonstrated that they refuse to allow terrorists to determine the fate of their country. Last month, Iraqis achieved another historic victory when they announced their new unity government.

“U.S. troops, Coalition forces, and Iraqi citizens continue to face challenges in establishing a civil society in Iraq, but they are proving that their strong resolve will overpower the terrorists’ agenda of evil.”

Political Progress in Iraq
(Source: Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq)

Increased Participation: Participation in many Sunni areas increased from as little as 25% in the January ’05 election to 75% in the December ’05 election.

Public Confidence: 62% of Iraqis have confidence that the government can improve the situation in Iraq. That support is spread broadly across the country.

Right Direction: 61% of Iraqis believe that the National Government is leading the country in the right direction.

Free Press: Participation in the political process is also reflected in the continued growth of a free and open press, a hallmark of a free and democratic society. In March there were 268 independent newspapers, 114 commercial radio stations, and 54 commercial TV stations.

Politics, Not Violence: 78% of Iraqis believe that “violence is never acceptable, even if the government does not meet my expectations.”

Insurgency working against Iraqis: While Iraqi confidence in the new government is growing, 96% of Iraqis polled said that the insurgents are not working in the best interests of the Iraqi people.

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