Iraq Withdrawal Ends an Overextended Mission and Refocuses American Interests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. – The withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq marks a monumental moment: the completion of an overextended mission and an opportunity to refocus on the priorities that matter most to the American people.

“Having served in Iraq, I know the courage of the Americans sent there, and I also know courage is no substitute for sound strategy that adjusts for changes in modern warfare,” said John Vick, executive director of Concerned Veterans for America. “The administration was right to follow through on withdrawing U.S. forces: the Iran war has shown that reducing our presence on exposed bases reduces the risk of American casualties without decreasing our ability to fight when and where we need to. Policymakers should now use this moment to reassess our broader Middle East basing posture so that it focuses on protecting America’s vital interests without leaving service members needlessly in harm’s way.