Al-Maliki: Iraq is front line of war on terror

Protestor removed from Congress
Al-Maliki, speaking through an interpreter, told the troops that Iraqis will never forget the sacrifice of U.S. soldiers and that they are happy to be partners with the United States “in this holy task of fighting terrorism and establishing democracy.”

“I would like to thank you and thank your families,” al-Maliki said. “And I would like to appreciate your losses, your sacrifices, appreciate the bitterness of those who have lost loved ones. I hope that you can go past your losses and I hope that you can (feel) compensated about what’s happened. We feel pain and sorrow for every drop of blood that falls in Iraq.”

During his address to Congress, al-Maliki appealed for more aid, from the United States and other nations as well. He noted that much of the money provided so far has been spent on security instead of much-needed reconstruction.

“There needs to be a a greater alliance on Iraqis and Iraq companies with foreign aid and assistance to help us rebuild Iraq,” he said.

Al-Maliki was interrupted briefly by a shouting demonstrator wearing a pink T-shirt that read, “Troops Home Now.” The young woman was lifted from her seat by officers and carried out of the House visitor’s gallery, while al-Maliki paused and grimaced in irritation.

Al-Maliki said his country has made great strides despite the threat of extremists he said are bent on destroying Iraq’s nascent democracy.

“Above all they wish to spread fear,” and represent a threat to all free countries, he said.

“Iraq is the battle that will determine the war,” he said. His words echoed those of Bush, who frequently asserts that Iraq is a central battleground against terrorism elsewhere, including on U.S. shores, and that the country can be a bulwark for the spread of freedom in the autocratic Middle East.

Of his people, who have faced violence and death as the country makes a transition from the Saddam’s rule, al-Maliki said: “They have stated over and over again, with the ink-stained fingers waving in pride, they will always make the same choice.”

‘President is not a puppeteer’
Asked about talk among Democrats earlier of boycotting al-Maliki’s address, White House press secretary Tony Snow said, “Let me try to explain democracy to people on Capitol Hill. It involves such rights as free speech and freedom of opinion.

“The president is not a puppeteer in this case. He’s not pulling the strings of Prime Minister al-Maliki. Prime Minister al-Maliki is the duly elected leader of a sovereign state, and as a result, has rights to his opinions.”

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