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Martinez Says Iraq Buildup a Success

Posted Sep 6, 2007 by Billy House, Tribune Washington Bureau

Updated Sep 6, 2007 at 10:54 AM

Florida’s GOP Sen. Mel Martinez has just taken the U.S. Senate floor to declare that he believes the U.S. troop buildup in Iraq has been succeeding.

“The goal ought to not be troop withdrawal at all cost,” said Martinez, who traveled to Iraq last week.

In fact, Martinez said he believes enough progress is being made in Iraq for Americans to understand “the way forward” is for U.S. troops to continue in Iraq.

“There’s no question that the (Iraq Prime Minister) Maliki government has not delivered as hoped,” said Martinez.

Martinez added: “There’s no question that the political progress has lagged behind the military progress.”

But he said “conditions on the ground” are beginning to improve.

Martinez’ comments come as Gen. David Petraeus – the top U.S. commander in Iraq— is to testify on the troop buildup to Congress next week, and President Bush is to deliver his own report by Sept. 15.

The reports comes as lawmakers in Washington debate whether and when U.S. troops should be brought home.