A Positive Step on a Long Road in Iraq

I congratulate American military forces and intelligence personnel, and the Iraqi security forces who worked with them, in the reported attack on Musab al Zarqawi and his aides. I am also pleased to see that Prime Minister Maliki was finally able to announce the appointment of the cabinet ministers with responsibilities for security. The performance of these ministries will be critical in determining whether Iraqi security forces are able to be successful. Today's developments are certainly positive. I hope they bolster the morale and confidence of the Iraqi security forces who must increasingly take on the security of their nation. The Iraqis and we should capitalize on the momentum this opportunity may afford us. But there is still a long way to go before there is a secure Iraq with a stable, unified government able to fully provide for its own security.

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