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Richard Piatt ReportingGovernor Jon Huntsman is back home tonight after a weekend trip to the Iraq war zone. Today he shared his experience visiting the troops.
Visiting the troops and Iraqi officials is a war zone experience the Governor would like to repeat, some day. But first the Iraqi government has to get its act together. And Huntsman says US troops need to stay to make sure that's done.
Into the war zone, Governor Huntsman says the danger was palpable on his visit. He says his work, like that of US troops, has larger significance.
Governor Huntsman: "The alternatives are catastrophic, and that is civil war, and regional instability for years to come. So there is no alternative. We have to be successful."
The governor left Salt Lake City last Thursday, flying first to Shannon Ireland and then onto Kuwait. Changing to a military C-130 aircraft, he and a delegation of congressman and governors landed in Baghdad. There they dressed in a flack jacket and helmet for a helicopter ride to the embassy.
Gov. Huntsman: "It was extremely low, right at rooftop elevations as fast as the Blackhawk would go. We were escorted by two Apache gunships."
Along the way he attended meetings with Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, Jalal Talabani, and on to Fallujah. The Governor also met American troops along the way. Visits with Utahns were perhaps his favorite part of the whirlwind visit.
Governor Huntsman: "It was certainly a heartfelt visit from this governor to see those men and women who are doing their best. They're working hard."
The visit of a delegation that included Congressman, two other Governors and Senator John McCain was also a shot in the arm for Iraqi's.
Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet, Utah National Guard: "It's important for them to know that the governors of a sovereign nation are willing to supply time and treasure and are concerned about this."
The Governor aknowledged the situation is dicey for the troops in Iraq, but he does not advocate immediate withdrawl, fearful of the consequences.
