Ruppersberger Returns from Trip to
Iraq, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan, Jordan, and Qatar

The Congressman met with military leaders, including General George Casey - the commander of multi-national forces in Iraq, soldiers on the ground, and political leaders in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Congressman Ruppersberger is a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.  He believes it is important to meet with front line workers, military leaders, political leaders, and soldiers on the ground to get a real sense of what is going on in the country.     

“In Iraq, progress is being made.  I feel we are at a critical juncture.  The Iraqi people need to continue to move forward to form their own government.  There are a lot of competing factions in the country.  It is important for Iraqis to put their political differences aside and work together for the future of their country.  The ultimate goal of the United States is to completely withdraw American troops and bring our men and women in uniform home but we can’t do that until the Iraqis start taking control of their country.  Creating an Iraqi government is the first step in this process,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).   

The Congressman toured the Port of Dubai and met with top security leaders in the United Arab Emirates.  The Congressman still believes a foreign owned company like Dubai Ports World should not buy port operations at American ports – including the Port of Baltimore.  The Congressman also met with political leaders in Pakistan, Jordan, and Qatar.  Congressman Peter Hoekstra (R-Michigan), Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, Congressman John Shadegg (R-Arizona), and Congressman Mark Souder (R-Indiana) were part of the Congressional Delegation that made the trip to the Middle East.  

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