Congressman Cole's Statement on Anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today released the following statement regarding Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"This week marks the fourth anniversary of the war in Iraq. While there is no doubt that the situation in Iraq has been more difficult than originally anticipated, we must not overlook the success American forces along with the Iraqi people have made in the advancement towards freedom."

"In January of 2005, Iraqi citizens participated in a free and fair election to choose an assembly that would draft a constitution. In October 2005, Iraqi voters approved a new permanent constitution and two months later nearly 12 million Iraqis chose a permanent government in a free election. Iraqi forces are also taking control of their own country's security. Over 320,000 Iraqi Security Force Members are risking their lives to secure their country and allow political progress to continue. Iraqi planned, Iraqi conducted and Iraqi-led missions continue throughout Iraq. And last November an Iraqi court convicted and sentenced Saddam Hussein to death for the massacres committed by his regime. The vast majority of Iraqi citizens want to live in peace and they are showing their courage every day."

"While the challenge is not over, it is clear progress is being made. None of this would have been accomplished without the brave American soldiers who are spreading freedom to a country who has never seen freedom before and the Iraqi people who are fighting to secure their country's democratic future."

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