Udall, Lamborn react to Petraeus' report
Story By: Mark Hanrahan
Source: KOAA
Colorado’s congressional leaders, Monday, weighed in on General David Petraeus’ latest report on the progress in Iraq. Despite gains cited by Petraeus, Colorado Congressman Mark Udall told News First it wasn’t enough to continue the current strategy in Iraq.
“My thoughts are that we’re right back at the place we were two years ago. We’re still saying lets stay the course, there are some tactical adjustments but it’s still an open ended commitment in Iraq.”
The democrat argues the war has left our military stretched to its breaking point; he’s calling for a re-deployment of troops over the course of the next two years and a shift in focus to Afghanistan.
“We need to refocus on the central front of the War on Terror, which is in Afghanistan.”
On the other side of an isle, Congressman Doug Lamborn disagreed with Udall’s assessment of Iraq. The republican, who could only be reached by phone, Monday, told News First the U.S. needs to stay in Iraq until the country is secure.
Lamborn and Udall sit on the House Armed Services Committee.
Lamborn says, “If we were to pull our right now the gains we made as such a high cost to lives and the health of…and well being of so many of our troops would be reversed.”
Both Udall and Lamborn, though, agree that Iraq needs to take more responsibility of securing their county. Lamborn says, “We need to draw the Iraqi’s in more than ever, they have to take responsibility for the security of their country.”
