What They're Saying About Zarqawi

Here's a roundup of what official Washington is saying about Zarqawi's death:

Harry Reid

"This is a good day for the Iraqi people, the U.S military and our intelligence community. Zarqawi was a cold blooded killer who got what he deserved. Yesterday's mission and its successful outcome are a testament to the courage and skill of all those serving on the front lines. There is considerable and difficult work ahead to stabilize Iraq. But with the death of Zarqawi and the naming of key Iraqi security ministers, today is a day to recognize these important achievements."

Speaker Hastert:

"Today's death of terrorist mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is a major victory for U.S. troops, the War on Terror, and the American families we all seek to protect. His death reinforces our view that American forces will hunt down and destroy terrorists where they hide. America is seeking to defeat those who kill and maim and those who seek to destroy our way of life. As our troops have shown time and time again, it is a battle we intend to win.

"I recently returned from Iraq where I met with the new democratically elected Iraqi government and visited with our troops, and I can report that our soldiers are more committed to fighting and winning the War on Terror than ever before. American troops are serving bravely and admirably to track down terrorists and extremists like al-Zarqawi. Today serves as a reminder that we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude for their service to our nation."

John Cornyn, titled Al-Zarqawi Has Made His Last Video :

"Our military and intelligence forces have been patient, and their efforts have paid off in yet another success. They are relentless, and I have every confidence that, along with our Iraqi and coalition partners, they will succeed in destroying what remains of Zarqawi's terrorist network. The Iraqi people stood up against this threat to their nation, and in partnership with the U.S. military, ended Zarqawi's attempt to stop the march of freedom and democracy in Iraq.

"Al-Zarqawi has made his last video."

Peter Hoekstra:

"The successful attack against Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi is a significant step forward in the war against radical Islam and its campaign of terror during a week in which progress has already been achieved.

"The elimination of a radical cell in Canada demonstrates how countries are able to target and dismantle radical groups through effective internal policing activity.

"Killing Al-Zarqawi will help to weaken Al Qaeda in Iraq as well as throughout the world by removing a key members of its leadership. U.S. intelligence and military special forces are to be congratulated for their vigilance and persistence to succeed in the effort.

"The focus needs to remain on the goal: defeating radical elements in the war on terror. We need to continue with the strategies of attacking terrorists where they live and operate, weaken their leadership structure and maintain our vigilance at home as we help to build effective governments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The pending announcement by Iraq Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki in appointing people to fill the final key cabinet positions in the new government furthers the movement toward a strong Iraqi government and a more stable Middle East.

"We need to continue to update and adjust our strategies to face the evolving and fluid threat posed by radical Islam and changing conditions in the field. The steps forward this week signal continuing progress, but the job is far from complete."

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Posted Thursday, June 8, 2006 8:23 PM

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