The Wilmington Patch: Moulton Criticizes Plans to Send Additional Troops to Iraq

By: Joe Lipovich

WASHINGTON — Following the Obama administration's authorization of additional troops in Iraq Wednesday, Congressman Seth Moulton (D-Salem) has issued a statement in opposition of the move.

Moulton issued a statement indicating his opposition of the decision to send 600 additional American troops in an effort to support the retaking of the Iraqi city of Mosul from ISIS. President Barack Obama authorized the troops for the purpose of providing "specific capabilities including logistics and maintenance support for the upcoming operation.

Moulton, who represents the sixth district of Massachusetts which includes Wilmington, stated his opposition of sending American troops to Iraq without a clear plan.

"Secretary Carter’s announcement means that 600 more young Americans will put their lives on the line for our country," Moulton said in a statement. "We cannot, in good conscience, continue to send young Americans into harm’s way without a clear plan, not just to win the war, but to ensure the ultimate success of the mission by securing the peace. That’s the only way we can bring the troops home for good when they’re done."

The Salem democrat formerly served as a Marine infantry officer in Iraq, and recently released a four-part political plan which he hopes will "secure peace and stability in Iraq."

"What we urgently need is a political plan so that we don’t have to send our troops back again and again to deal with ISIS 2.0," Moulton added."I’ve released a plan that I believe should guide our political strategy in Iraq, and I’ll continue to press the Obama Administration and future administrations to ensure that the sacrifices our troops have made, and continue to make, are not in vain."

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