Carl Levin speaking now C-Span2, re: Media and DOD

Dear XXXXXXXXX:

On March 27th, I delivered a statement in the Senate reporting on my recent trip to Iraq and Afghanistan. The focus of the trip was to assess the situation in both counties. During my trip, I had the opportunity to meet with our troops, including many from Michigan; senior U.S. military and civilian officials; and Afghan and Iraqi leaders. In light of your previous correspondence, I thought you might be interested in this brief report.

Each time I have visited Iraq and Afghanistan, I have been deeply impressed by the very high morale, dedication and professionalism of our servicemen and women. During my trip, I conveyed to them the extraordinary support they have from Congress and from the American people, regardless of our debates and differences over policy matters.

I was encouraged by the progress in the political and security situation in Afghanistan. While much work remains, President Karzai has led his nation with a firm and steady hand, and I am hopeful about the future of Afghanistan.

Sadly, the same cannot be said of Iraq. The political and security situation in Iraq is deeply troubling and threatens to grow worse. The recent increase in sectarian violence has become the number one security problem, and Iraq’s political leadership continues to struggle with the formation of a national unity government. During my trip, I told Iraqi political leaders, including Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari and representatives from the two main Sunni Arab parties, that the Iraqis and only the Iraqis can decide their fate.

I believe we need to be successful in Iraq because the outcome there will have a major effect on the region and on our own security. To achieve this success, I believe it is important that the U.S. make it clear to the Iraqis that if they are unable to come together and form a government of national unity, we must reconsider our presence in Iraq and that all options will be on the table, including withdrawal of our forces. The Iraqis must understand that our willingness to bear the burden of providing security in Iraq has limits.

My complete statement on my trip to Afghanistan and Iraq can be found on my website at <http://levin.senate.gov/newsroom/release.cfm?id=253153>.

Sincerely,
Carl Levin