Rep. Cole Returns from Iraq, Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) recently returned from a congressional delegation trip to Iraq, Afghanistan and Germany. Cole observed the ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, discussed regional, political, and security issues with military officials and foreign leaders and visited with troops.

"Spending time over the holidays with members of our Armed Forces was a wonderful experience," Congressman Cole said. "I was pleased to share a meal and have conversations with a group of Oklahomans I met in Iraq. By serving our country overseas, these men and women have sacrificed time with their own families. Now is the time of year that we should all be especially thankful for their service."

"The trip also served as a time for me to meet with foreign leaders and discuss the progress being made in Iraq. Many of our nation's top officials stationed in Iraq are upbeat about the current situation and looking forward to 2009 - a year that will bring a wave of provincial, local and national elections to the country. While progress is still fragile and reversible in Iraq, violence is down, and over 600,000 Iraqi security officers have stepped up to help fight. These are promising signs."

"In Afghanistan I was able to meet with President Karzai and U.S. Ambassador William Wood. The situation is more difficult in this country because Al Qaeda terrorists find safe haven in the northern provinces of nearby Pakistan. Afghanistan also lacks infrastructure, tribal rivalries are deeper and there has been a sustained war going on since the 1970's. Our troops are encouraging Afghanis to take action - to join local security forces and stand up against terrorists who use the country as a thoroughfare. But there is still much to be done. Our nation's focus is shifting to Afghanistan and in the coming year I think we'll see major policy changes to reinforce our security presence there."

The congressional delegation included Representatives' Anthony Weiner, Steve Israel, and Ed Whitfield. They were also joined by New York Governor David Paterson. In addition to their time in Iraq and Afghanistan, the congressional delegation was able to visit wounded troops at Landsthul Regional Medical Center in Germany.

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