4 year anniversary of the Iraq war

Today is the anniversary of when the war in Iraq started. Republican presidential hopeful Rep. Duncan Hunter has a guest post up at Captain Ed’s that should be considered a must-read on the issue of Iraq, especially today. An excerpt:

At this critical point, the members of Congress who are engaging in political posturing, while our soldiers are carrying out their mission, are doing a real disservice to the troops. Let me add that if the Democrats were to cut off reinforcements and supplies to our troops in Iraq, our troops will never forgive them and I don’t think the American people will ever forgive them either.

Speaking from experience as someone who has had a son who spent two tours serving in Iraq as a Marine, I know that it’s not easy for us here at home to know that our troops are risking their lives expanding freedom in a foreign country. But, even though it’s difficult and dangerous work, it’s also vital.

Here’s the President’s speech on the 4th anniversary of the Iraq war. Snippets:

It can be tempting to look at the challenges in Iraq and conclude our best option is to pack up and go home. That may be satisfying in the short run, but I believe the consequences for American security would be devastating. If American forces were to step back from Baghdad before it is more secure, a contagion of violence could spill out across the entire country. In time, this violence could engulf the region. The terrorists could emerge from the chaos with a safe haven in Iraq to replace the one they had in Afghanistan, which they used to plan the attacks of September the 11th, 2001. For the safety of the American people, we cannot allow this to happen.

Prevailing in Iraq is not going to be easy. General Petraeus says that the environment in Iraq is the most challenging that he has seen in his more than 32 years of service. He also says that he has been impressed by the professionalism and the skill and determination of our men and women in uniform. He sees in our troops “a true will to win and a sincere desire to help our Iraqi partners achieve success.”

Four years after this war began, the fight is difficult, but it can be won. It will be won if we have the courage and resolve to see it through. I’m grateful to our servicemen and women for all they’ve done and for the honor they brought to their uniform and their country. I’m grateful to our military families for all the sacrifices they have made for our country. We also hold in our hearts the good men and women who’ve given their lives in this struggle. We pray for the loved ones they have left behind.

The United States military is the most capable and courageous fighting force in the world. And whatever our differences in Washington, our troops and their families deserve the appreciation and the support of our entire nation.

Amen.

God bless our men and women serving, and here’s to hoping and praying that the surge works, so they can start coming home soon.

Speaking of our veterans, Hot Air has a couple of posts on this weekend’s counterprotest to the moonbat anti-war protests on the Hill. You can read/view them here and here. Links galore of the events can be found here.

Update: Michael Totten has a post up about the latest goings on in Iraq. (hat tip: Insty)