Iraq and the War on Terror

Perhaps no political issue has been as divisive as the War on Terror. For the past five years, America has been engaged in a struggle to promote democracy and combat tyranny and oppression in the countries of Iraq and Afghanistan. While the gains we have achieved have come at an incredibly high price, it is clear that the recent Surge of American forces has become a turning point in the conflict in Iraq. Michael B. Younan has advocated and will continue to advocate on behalf of the members of our Armed Services. As a veteran, he understands firsthand the sacrifices required to protect and preserve our freedom and way of life, and will work toward full Congressional funding of the War on Terror if elected.

Since the level of violence has dropped across Iraq in recent months, our country is uniquely poised to establish a lasting peaceful solution to the conflict. Michael B. Younan has proposed the creation of “Safe Zones” for Iraq’s indigenous Christian minority groups in the Nineveh Plains. These safe zones would allow hundreds of thousands of Internally Displaced People to return to their homeland without fear of violence or retribution, and will ensure that Iraq can continue to move towards a permanent peace.

Our men and women in uniform have given their blood, sweat, tears, and in many cases, their lives to work towards the establishment of a democratic and free Iraq. Now, with that dream becoming a reality, we must recommit ourselves to the fight and work through diplomatic and political processes to bring about a transformation in the region.

The first step to a lasting peace in the Middle East is the promotion of democratic ideals in an area of the world that has long endured without the basic freedoms that we so highly value. By building diplomatic ties with Middle Eastern nations, America can restore its position on the global stage and restart stalled peace efforts in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. As one of our closest allies, Israel – the Middle East’s only democratic state to date – must continue to receive United States support and its security is of utmost importance in the region. A secure and stable Israel with an undivided Jerusalem as its capitol city will provide a base from which democratic ideals can diffuse throughout the Middle East.