Utah's senators: Work continues in Iraq and Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — Following President Barack Obama's speech declaring an end to combat operations in Iraq, Utah's senators said they are pleased the combat mission there has ended and thanked American troops for their service.

Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, said in a statement that he is grateful the combat mission has ended on the schedule President George W. Bush negotiated before leaving office.

"I was pleased to hear the president reaffirm that the circumstances of the withdrawal in Afghanistan will depend on conditions on the ground at that time," Bennett said. "Though the fight against terrorism continues, our men and women in uniform have made tremendous sacrifices to keep our country safe, for which we should all be grateful."

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said in a statement he is pleased that Obama has changed his mind from what he opposed as a senator.

"His position then, and that of many of his Washington allies opposing General Petraeus' surge strategy, was misguided," Hatch said. "Thankfully, common sense prevailed and that opposition was overcome."

Hatch said the administration still needs to work on an electoral impasse in Iraq that has led to instability.

"As we witnessed last week, the situation in Iraq is not stable; we will have to continue to work with this fledgling nation to ensure it does not become a failed state in one of the most unstable regions in the world," Hatch said.

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