James Sensenbrenner, December 14, 2005

Over the course of the last few weeks, the debate around the War on Terror has intensified, particularly with some people calling for an immediate withdrawal of our troops in Iraq. I cannot think of a worse move than an immediate retreat, especially in light of the upcoming elections on December 15. Pulling out of Iraq now, on the brink of this momentous election, would completely defeat all our efforts to help the Iraqi people build a lasting democracy in the heart of the Middle East. More than any attack or suicide bombing, retreat would signal the ultimate victory for the terrorists, and embolden them to continue their ways.

Remembering our own history, and the years of tension that followed the Constitution’s ratification, Iraq’s progress has been remarkable. Just over two-and-a-half years ago, Iraq was in the grip of a cruel dictator who had invaded his neighbors, sponsored terrorists, used weapons of mass destruction, murdered his own people, and for more than a decade, defied the demands of the United Nations and the civilized world. Since then, the Iraqi people have assumed sovereignty over their country, held free elections, drafted a democratic constitution, and approved that constitution in a nationwide referendum. On December 15, the Iraqi people will once again defy the Saddamists and the terrorists by returning to the polls yet again, to choose the first representative government under their new constitution.

This is a remarkable transformation for a country that has virtually no experience with democracy, and is struggling to overcome the legacy of one of the worst tyrannies the world has known. This election marks yet another milestone of Iraq’s intense desire for freedom, and a clear victory in the War on Terror. As I have consistently maintained, the terrorists’ stated objective is to drive U.S. and coalition forces out of Iraq, and use it as a base from which to launch attacks against America, overthrow moderate governments in the Middle East, and establish a totalitarian Islamic empire. The Iraqi election, and the security it means for our country and the world, was not possible without sacrifice. During this time of triumph, my family and I remember that the freedom we enjoy comes at a very high cost.

And this is a cost shared not only by Americans, but also by the Iraqis. As I look at the pictures of Iraqis holding up their blue-inked fingers, I see in their eyes the resolve and determination that I imagine blazed in the eyes of our forefathers when they fought to create our Republic. To the nay-sayers who would have our troops recalled while we are defeating the terrorists and supporting democracy in the Middle East, I say look at these pictures, and remember our forefathers.

Congressman James Sensenbrenner, a Republican, represents the Fifth Congressional District of Wisconsin. He serves as chairman of the House Committee on the Judiciary. The Fifth District of Wisconsin forms an arc surrounding Milwaukee to the North and West, and includes parts of Jefferson, Milwaukee and Waukesha counties, and all of Ozaukee and Washington counties.