Dear Mr. XXXXXXXXX:
Thank you for sharing your views regarding our current involvement in Iraq. I appreciate your taking the time to contact me on this important issue.
As a former Marine, my first and foremost responsibility is to provide for the national security of the United States and our citizens. It is because of this obligation that I stand in strong support of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who are fighting overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the War on Terror. I do not take the decision to send troops into battle lightly, and I am humbled by their daily personal sacrifices.
There is a landmark debate occurring in our country today regarding the future of the United States' presence in Iraq. To be sure, our challenges there have never been greater. However, the stakes have also never been higher. As our military leaders have repeatedly testified in the past year, the key to winning the War on Terror rests with success in Iraq. To risk allowing Iraq to become a haven for those who wish us ill is an unacceptable risk I am not willing to take.
I share with all Americans the desire to see stability achieved in Iraq and the return of our troops as soon a possible. We are now sending more troops with the message to Prime Minister Maliki, the Iraqi government, and the people of Iraq that Iraqi forces must conduct the military action necessary to end the sectarian violence and achieve stability. I believe General Petraeus is the right man to lead this military action. It's important to note that he has promised to report openly and honestly to Congress regarding progress in Iraq by the end of the summer. His guidance will be key to determining our future in Iraq. Not only do I support General Petraeus, I support our troops as they perform this dangerous this mission. I do not believe it is possible to support our military men and women, but not their mission. Rather, I offer them my full support in both.
As the United States increases our presence in Iraq, I will continue to work to provide our soldiers with the best equipment, training, and support possible to see their missions through. I, too, want those who sacrifice so much in volunteering to serve to come home as soon as possible. However, it must be on our terms, and we must leave behind a stable and secure Iraq when we depart.
If you would like more information on issues before the Senate, please visit my website at roberts.senate.gov....
With every best wish,
Sincerely,
Pat Roberts

