By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Governor Bob Riley says it was inspirational to speak with Alabama soldiers who are serving in Iraq. Riley returned to the state yesterday after a five-day trip to Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries. He praised Alabama's troops while warning residents not to expect a quick end to the war. Riley says the soldiers he met were in good spirits and are dedicated to completing the mission. Riley says he and other members of the travel group wore body armor and helmets while in Iraq, but he says the situation in Baghdad was not as chaotic as media reports have indicated. Riley visited Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan with a delegation that included two other Republican governors and six members of Congress.