KLINE092207
On the homepage
Sunday's paper
Out There
Gophers
Light rail
Kline making his fifth visit to Iraq since '03 invasion
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from Politically Connected
WASHINGTON - Minnesota Republican John Kline, one of the strongest congressional supporters of the U.S. war effort, arrived in Iraq Friday, beginning his fifth visit since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
The trip, coming as Congress debates the future of U.S. troop deployments in Iraq, will also include a stop in Afghanistan. Kline is part of a congressional delegation made up of three Republicans and three Democrats. The group is being led by Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii.
In an interview before he left Washington, Kline said he was encouraged by reports of progress given to Congress last week by Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker. But, he added, he wanted to see the latest conditions for himself.
"I'd like to see with my own eyes what progress has been made -- or the lack of progress," he said.
Kline, a retired Marine colonel, said he's particularly interested in assessing the morale of U.S. troops, which is critical to military reenlistment rates. "I want to know what the soldiers and Marines feel about their mission," he said.
He also said it will be important to meet with regional Iraqi leaders to assess the prospects of national reconciliation for the central Iraqi government.
KEVIN DIAZ
Recent Politically Connected stories
In interview, Obama says he's willing to go to Copenhagen to help seal deal on climate change - September 21, 2007
In interview, Obama says he's willing to go to Copenhagen to help seal deal on climate change - President Barack Obama said Monday that he'd be willing to attend an international climate summit in Copenhagen next month if it appears a deal is in the offing and his presence there would help clinch it. More
- Klobuchar rating at 58%; Franken is making gains
- Palin says she didn't know Bristol was having sex
- Forceful Franni Franken embraces new life on Hill
- House Roll Call: How they voted on abortion issue
- No guarantees on Senate health bill's public plan
- State's poor being shifted to different medical plan
- AP Source: Gitmo 9/11 suspects to NY for trial
The Whistleblower blog has moved
The Star Tribune is still blowing the whistle, but our look and location have changed. Click here to get to the new blog. If you want the actual URL, it’s www.startribune.com/blogs/whistleblower.html. Our blog posts will now be easier to search on the web site, but you’ll need to register to post a comment. In the [...]
Recent posts
 Open positions!A new career awaits. Look through thousands of listings to find your new job. Start now! |
Comment on this story | Be the first to comment | Hide reader comments