Inglis returns from Iraq and Afghanistan (AUDIO)

Fourth District Congressman Bob Inglis just made his fifth visit to Iraq and his fourth visit to Afghanistan. Inglis says here’s “material progress in Iraq” and evidence that counterinsurgency is working in Afghanistan.

The Republican says flying over Baghdad was very different this time.

During my first trip there in 2005 it looked like a bombed-out city. This time flying over you could see some soccer fields turning green or swimming pools that were blue again. You could see traffic moving around. It has the look of a city coming back.

While in Baghdad, Inglis’ delegation met with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, President Jalal Talabani and General Ray Odierno, among others.

Inglis says U.S. forces have been in Afghanistan for nine years but have only gotten attempts at counterinsurgency right in the last year and a half.

Inglis gives an example of counterinsurgency that he says shores up the government and has an influence over the hearts and minds of the people. He says a grenade launched by the Taliban killed an Afghan girl. Inglis says in response, American solders went to the family to express condolences, and took them supplies of flour, sugar and other items.

AUDIO: Inglis on counterinsurgency in Afghanistan (1:29)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS