Powell says insurgency in Iraq must be defeated
Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/22/2004

US Secretary of State Colin Powell reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to confronting the insurgency in Iraq and supporting the Iraqi interim government's efforts to hold elections by January 2005.

"I personally believe that we will win this war in Iraq. We are facing a difficult insurgency right now and the insurgency has to be defeated. There's no question about it," the secretary said during a September 21 interview with ABC News.

Powell responded to recent statements from leading Republican senators, who have raised concerns about the turmoil in Iraq. It is "absolutely wrong" to embrace the attitude that the coalition forces are on the verge of defeat, Powell said.

He said that such attitudes reflect fears in a time of difficulty. Powell went on to express confidence in the U.S. commanders in the field and in the determination of the Iraqi people to restore security and normalcy to their country.

He spoke of the increasing number of Iraqis joining the national security forces, establishing community councils and preparing for elections as evidence that progress is being made.

"There is no substitute for going forward and defeating this insurgency and helping the Iraq people get what they want, which is a democracy," Powell said.

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search