Murkowski Comments on Confirmation of Gen. Petraeus
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today made the following comment after the Senate voted unanimously to confirm Gen. David Petraeus to command U.S. forces in Afghanistan:
“I am pleased that President Obama selected Gen. David Petraeus to advance our vital mission in Afghanistan. There is no doubt that the road to success in Afghanistan has been, and continues to be, difficult. But Gen. Petraeus proved his ability to roll back an insurgency during the 2007 force build-up in Iraq, and he literally wrote the Army’s training manual on counterinsurgency doctrine. There is no soldier more qualified than David Petreaus for this new posting. I was encouraged by the General’s commitment during his confirmation hearing this week to take a new look at the rules of engagement to ensure that our fighting men and women can accomplish their difficult mission while minimizing risk to themselves. Many good Alaskans and their fellow soldiers from around the country have given their lives in the war on terror. It is essential that the President devote his full attention to a strategy that works in Afghanistan.”
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