Murphy and Trivedi's Statements on Iraq Troop Withdrawal

from the inbox: two statements on Iraq Troop Withdrawal

Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-08)

Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District), the first Iraq war veteran elected to Congress, released the following statement today regarding the departure of the last full U.S. combat brigade from Iraq:

“Today marks the end of a chapter in American history as we remember and honor the 4,400 brave troops who gave up their lives to serve their country. The sacrifice of my fellow brothers and sisters-in-arms will never be forgotten. And we renew our commitment to care for the thousands returning home with the scars of war - both those that are visible and others unable to be seen. My thoughts and prayers are with the 50,000 troops who remain in Iraq, as well as those deployed in Afghanistan or serving on bases in the United States and throughout the world.

It is critical that we continue to refocus our efforts on dismantling terrorist networks in Afghanistan, Al Qaeda's safe haven, and the border regions of Pakistan.”

Dr. Manan Trivedi, candidate in 6th congressional district:

In response to the final combat troops leaving Iraq today, Manan Trivedi, Democratic nominee for Congress in Pennsylvania's 6th District and an Iraq War Veteran, released the following statement:

"Today, our nation took an important step in the right direction toward ending the war in Iraq, a war that never should have been started. As a Navy combat surgeon, I was one of the first men across the border from Kuwait when the invasion began. That was seven years ago. So on this day I watched with great pride as our service men and women began their journey home.

“This is a protracted war that has robbed other pressing foreign affairs, especially our efforts to combat terrorism in Afghanistan and around the globe, of our nation's attention and resources. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11, posed no imminent threat to our nation, and Al-Qaeda did not enter Iraq until after our occupation.

"While I don't agree with the faulty reasoning given for entering Iraq in the first place, I know that we must now be careful in our exit. Iraq still has a long road ahead of it before it reaches stability. We must do our best to support their efforts to regain control of their government while developing strong relationships through our civilian and diplomatic efforts, while shifting our focus and resources back to Afghanistan and other critical international affairs.

“And just as I will never forget the day I crossed into Iraq, this day will also be remembered as my generation closes an important chapter of our history.”

Manan Trivedi is the Democratic nominee for Congress in Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District. He is a primary care physician, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy, and an Iraq War veteran from Berks County.