“Stable Secure Iraq Is Within Our Grasp†Says Defense Secretary
Baghdad Visiting area troops, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates stated Wednesday that a stable and secure Iraq are goals within our reach.
Despite a last ditch up tick in violence, especially in the northern part of Iraq, things have been going increasingly well in recent weeks.
Defense Secretary Gates visit was well received by Coalition Forces in the region, despite a number of attacks that happened at the same time. One attack involved a car bomb that was set off in a Shiite area in Baghdad, which killed fourteen people. This attack was across the Tigris River from where Secretary Gates was.
Defense Secretary Gates met with U.S. and Coalition Leaders in the Area, and with the Iraqi Defense Ministry Director. He spoke to media representative from the green Zone.
“I believe that in the near future a stable, secure Iraq is possible,†said Secretary Gates. “Until that happens we do need to continue working diligently and to be patient until it does happen†Gates stated.
Overall violence and terrorist related activity in the Iraq region has declined in recent months, which has allowed a large increase of refuges able to return to their homes in Iraq. An increased amount of international overseas investment in Iraq has also increased even though the country has been at war for five years.
“This has led to a greater sense of hope and normalcy,†stated Gates. “Continued gains in the area are allowing a renewed sense of achievement, and conditions are beginning to really come around,†said Gates.
