While the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraqelicited cheers from war-weary Americans Thursday, the exit strategy drew fire from Florida Republican congressional candidate Allen West.
"Just because you run away doesn't mean the bully isn't going to stay and fight," said West, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who served in both Iraq conflicts.
"The enemy also has a vote on the cessation of combat operations," added West, who is vying to unseat Rep. Ron Klein, D-Fort Lauderdale, in the 22nd Congressional District.
Even as U.S. forces were departing Iraq, violence was escalating. Whereas a troop surge last year cleared the way for improvements on the ground, American disengagement is leaving a deadly and chaotic security vacuum, military analysts say.
West said the pullout of U.S. combat troops harkens back to previous precipitous pullouts. He recalled "the means by which we left Somalia and the message that sent to radical Islamists. I don't want to get labeled like the Soviets when they left Afghanistan."
President Barack Obama, noting that the Iraq conflict has lasted longer than World War II, is keeping 50,000 personnel on the ground to help Iraqis with training and logistics while the military ramps up operations in Afghanistan.
But West called the noncombat mission in Iraq "oxymoronic."
"The primary goal of soldiers is to fight and win," said West, who served in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was battalion commander for the 4th Infantry Division. He received several medals and commendations for his service, including a Bronze Star and a valor award while a captain in Desert Shield/Storm.
Two Florida congressmen noted the opportunities and ongoing challenges presented by the troop withdrawal.
Rep. Tom Rooney, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said, While there is reason to celebrate a chapter in the conflict ending successfully, 50,000 American troops still remain in Iraq in a training function.
"Additionally, the Iraqi government has yet to be formed.So there is much more work to be done, albeit in a different role for the United States," the Tequesta Republican said.
Rep. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, said, "The promises of self-government are great but so is the responsibility of maintaining that freedom. It's good to see the people of Iraq taking hold of that responsibility. With time and hard work, Iraq can flourish just like other democratic nations around the world.
"I commend our troops for their many sacrifices and service to our nation. It's good to see them come home to their families."
Still, West, who was a U.S. adviser to the Afghan army until November 2007, issued a chilly benediction on the homecoming parade:
"There are two ways to end a war: win or lose."
Klein's office did not respond to phone messages and e-mails from Sunshine State News.
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Contact Kenric Ward at kward@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 801-5341.
