MEDIA RELEASE
U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, issued the following statement Thursday:
“I am so pleased our combat troops home will be from Iraq in time for the holidays. Our service members and military leaders worked diligently for years to help the Iraqi government take responsibility for its own security, and it is now up to Iraqi people to succeed as an independent nation.
“I offer my warmest aloha and mahalo to all of those who served and their families for their commitment and sacrifice. Now that the war is over we must continue to honor our sacred obligation to our veterans and their families and ensure they receive the care and benefits they earned, need, and deserve.
“Our nation will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.â€
The Senator’s comments are unfortunately not reflective of the real situation. The conflict in Iraq is far from over. IF, and when, we actually leave Iraq…under the current circumstances…the country will fall to Iran and simply become another launchpad for their extremism. And, those Iraqis who supported our efforts there will once again understand that the U.S. is unable, due to political weakness, to sustain support to a nation in need. Your state badly needs a shift to representatives who have your best interests at heart.