On this fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, we have reached an extraordinary juncture. The so-called surge has failed to achieve its stated objective, which was to facilitate reconciliation within the Iraqi government.

While our brave American troops have performed brilliantly, the Iraqi government, time and again, has failed to take the kinds of actions that will foster national unity. Meanwhile, we have received a series of objective, authoritative reports documenting that the Iraqi government, Army, and police are dysfunctional and riddled with sectarianism and corruption.

Sen. Tom Harkin issued the following statement ahead of the 5th anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq. Harkin has been a leader on efforts in Congress to redeploy our troops and bring them home:

“On this fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, we have reached an extraordinary juncture. The so-called surge has failed to achieve its stated objective, which was to facilitate reconciliation within the Iraqi government. While our brave American troops have performed brilliantly, the Iraqi government, time and again, has failed to take the kinds of actions that will foster national unity. Meanwhile, we have received a series of objective, authoritative reports documenting that the Iraqi government, Army, and police are dysfunctional and riddled with sectarianism and corruption.”

Senator Tom Harkin delivered his announcement speech today in his hometown of Cumming. Below you can read his remarks as he prepared them for delivery:

Thank you, Ruth, for those kind words. And, most of all, thank you for your love and support for the last 40 years. God has given me more than my fair share of blessings, and having Ruth at my side, as well as our two daughters, has been the greatest blessing of all.

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Senator Tom Harkin released the following statement today after President Bush’s weekly radio address where he announced his veto of the Intelligence Authorization Bill:

It is absolutely deplorable that this President continues to turn a blind eye to the horrific and illegal interrogation practices festering under his watch. We in Congress joined the more than 30 military Admirals and Generals– including General David Petraeus – in standing up for human rights and acknowledging that torture is not only ineffective, it jeopardizes our safety. I am disappointed that the President has decided to betray our nation’s values and put our country at further risk.

Earlier this week, Senator Tom Harkin announced via an email and an online video, that he will be kicking off his 2008 re-election campaign with a series of events all over the state so that he can continue to fight for a better future for Iowa families: