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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michael C. Frohlich

February 6, 2007 202-225-2071

**FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION**

**By Congresswoman Virginia Foxx**

America is at war with terrorists, enemies who do not wear a uniform,
but nonetheless pose a threat of colossal proportions. These terrorists
are focused on destroying Americans and all those who do not subscribe
to their twisted version of radical Islam. Iraq is the central front in
this Global War on Terror. Success in Iraq translates to a safer and
more secure America.

The current war effort in Iraq has not been as effective as it could
have been, with substantial setbacks and the tragic loss of American
lives. Yet, there has been positive news in the Global War on Terror.
America has not experienced an attack on our soil since 9/11. In fact
President Bush recently outlined numerous attacks that have been
prevented and spoke of real successes in defeating terrorism around the
globe. Regrettably many of those successes go unnoticed or are
classified. While there have been setbacks, there has been progress and
Americans are safer at home because of these efforts.

It is important to recognize that the goal of a free and democratic Iraq
is laudable in its intentions. Unfortunately, things that were not
anticipated have occurred and we must adapt and embrace a new direction
to accomplish this mission. I want to bring the troops home as soon as
possible, yet at this juncture, that is not a wise option. We must
finish the work in assisting Iraq in creating a fully functioning,
self-reliant government. If this fails, the entire region and world will
feel the horrific repercussions of spawning terrorism.

It is time to end the partisan bickering. We must support our troops and
their mission and give them the tools and reinforcements necessary to
achieve success. We are a nation at war, and we must unite to accomplish
the long and difficult challenges that lie ahead of us. Victory is our
only choice.

The central problem in Iraq currently is the sectarian violence between
the Sunnis and Shiites. On February 22, 2006, the holiest Shiite site of
worship, the Aslariya shrine in Samarra was bombed and destroyed. This
was an intentional attack aimed at creating a civil war and was a major
turning point in Iraq when sectarian violence rapidly increased with
much of the violence focused in Baghdad.

Assessing the current situation, the generals on the ground realized the
best solution to end the perpetual violence and to secure Baghdad would
be to send more troops to restore peace and stability in Iraq's capital.
They have called for reinforcements to secure Iraq, to restore order and
to continue rebuilding the military, political and economic sectors.
American troops have also been given the authority to engage the enemy
more aggressively, so that the death squads and bombings can be stopped.
This change in direction was not drafted hastily or without deep
scrutiny. Prime Minister Maliki, President Bush, top generals at the
Pentagon and in Iraq agree that this is the best solution to the current
situation. While Congress must recognize that there is only one
Commander-In-Chief, this does not relieve Congress of its Constitutional
obligation to exercise oversight.

Congress must assess the progress of this new direction and proposed
solution. Republicans have called upon Speaker Pelosi to support the
creation of a bipartisan select committee with equal party
representation to exercise oversight of this new direction. In addition,
Republicans have set forth a series of aggressive benchmarks allowing
Congress and the American public to measure if progress is being made.
These benchmarks come with the expectation that they will be met.

While an immediate fix to the current situation in Iraq is not feasible,
to turn our backs on this severe and ever-growing threat to America
would lead to an emboldened, more determined enemy. America currently
faces an ideological clash of civilizations. We must adapt to challenges
on the battlefield, finish the mission in Iraq, and accept nothing short
of victory.

*Virginia Foxx is a United States Representative from North Carolina's
Fifth Congressional District. You may contact her office toll free at
1-866-677-8968 or e-mail her from her website,
[www.foxx.house.gov](http://www.foxx.house.gov/).*

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