In 1993, Representive Murth urged President Clinton to withdraw our troops
from Somalia:


"Our welcome has been worn out," Rep Murtha told NBC's "Today" show in Sept.
1993, after the Mogadishu battle cost the lives of 18 U.S. Rangers.
The Pennsylvania Democrat announced that President Clinton had been
"listening to our suggestions. And I think you'll see him move those troops
out very quickly."





In 1996, bin Laden's Declaration of War on the US made specific mention of
the 1993 withdrawal of US troops from Somalia. bin Laden used it as
propaganda to help recruit more terrorists:

"But your most disgraceful case was in Somalia; where- after vigorous
propaganda about the power of the USA and its post cold war leadership of
the new world order- you moved tens of thousands of international force,
including twenty eight thousands American solders into Somalia. However,
when tens of your solders were killed in minor battles and one American
Pilot was dragged in the streets of Mogadishu you left the area carrying
disappointment, humiliation, defeat and your dead with you. Clinton appeared
in front of the whole world threatening and promising revenge , but these
threats were merely a preparation for withdrawal. You have been disgraced by
Allah and you withdrew; the extent of your impotence and weaknesses became
very clear. It was a pleasure for the "heart" of every Muslim and a remedy
to the "chests" of believing nations to see you defeated in the three
Islamic cities of Beirut , Aden and Mogadishu."



Now, in 2005, Murtha wants to repeat the mistake:



"I believe before the Iraqi elections, scheduled for mid December, the Iraqi
people and the emerging government must be put on notice that the United
States will IMMEDIATELY REDEPLOY. All of Iraq must know that Iraq is free.
Free from United States occupation. I believe this will send a signal to the
Sunnis to join the political process for the good of a "free" Iraq.


My plan calls:

To immediately redeploy U.S. troops consistent with the safety of U.S.
forces.

To create a quick reaction force in the region.

To create an over- the- horizon presence of Marines.

To diplomatically pursue security and stability in Iraq

This war needs to be personalized. As I said before I have visited with the
severely wounded of this war. They are suffering.

Because we in Congress are charged with sending our sons and daughters into
battle, it is our responsibility, our obligation is to speak out for them.
That's why I am speaking out.

Our military has done everything that has been asked of them, the U.S. can
not accomplish anything further in Iraq militarily. IT IS TIME TO BRING THEM
HOME."