Washington, DC - President Bush is expected to outline a shift in strategy and a new plan forward in Iraq during an address to the nation this evening.  Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC, 3), former Captain in the U.S. Army, released the following statement in advance of President Bush’s speech this evening. 

“I look forward to hearing President Bush’s speech tonight.  The President knows what is at stake.  He understands we have to get this right,” said Barrett, who attended a small bi-partisan meeting on strategies for victory in Iraq with President Bush last Friday. 

"There is no doubt that mistakes were made - let’s learn from those mistakes.  Let’s get the right troop levels on the ground, let’s make sure they have specific missions and achievable goals to be victorious in the overall war, and let’s make sure the American people fully understand what is truly at stake, the benchmarks being set and why.

“It is also important for the President to set expectations of the Iraq government and people.  They must continue to take over control of their country and not become compliant with unrest. 

“I remain convinced that a safe and secure Iraq is in our nations best interest and we must continue to fight terrorists and those who wish us harm on the streets of Baghdad and Kabul not Washington, DC, Atlanta, GA or Greenville, SC.  I hope the President will use this opportunity to remind all Americans why we must remain committed to winning this global war on terror.”

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