Blunt, Skelton issue statements on Al-Zarqawi death

The two Congressmen who represent this area of southwest Missouri, Roy Blunt and Ike Skelton, issued statements today following the announcement of the death of Al Qaeda leader Al-Zarqawi.

Seventh District Congressman Roy Blunt said:

"The death of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi is a clear win against the forces of radical Islam in the Middle East.

"A violent thug who beheaded Americans and showed the photos to the world, Zarqawi was one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, and now he can never threaten Americans or our allies again.

"While this is not the silver bullet to create peace and stability in Iraq, it is a victory over al Qaeda and the murderous ideology of terrorism."

Fourth District Congressman Ike Skelton said:

"I congratulate American military forces and intelligence personnel, and the Iraqi security forces who worked with them, in the reported attack on Musab al Zarqawi and his aides. I am also pleased to see that Prime Minister Maliki was finally able to announce the appointment of the cabinet ministers with responsibilities for security. The performance of these ministries will be critical in determining whether Iraqi security forces are able to be successful.


Today’s developments are certainly positive. I hope they bolster the morale and confidence of the Iraqi security forces who must increasingly take on the security of their nation. The Iraqis and we should capitalize on the momentum this opportunity may afford us. But there is still a long way to go before there is a secure Iraq with a stable, unified government able to fully provide for its own security."