Hayes saw progress in Iraq, Afghanistan

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Many Americans have the wrong impression about what's going on in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rep. Robin Hayes, R-N.C., told reporters Monday at the Wilson Air Center in Charlotte.

Hayes returned to the Queen City following a weeklong trip to the two nations, his second visit in the past 12 months.

“There were hundreds of little boys and girls with book bags and American-style baseball caps walking the street, enjoying the beautiful sunshine and going to school,” he said. “The shops were open; they were selling food, shoes, everything you could imagine by the side of the road.

“There was no visible evidence of a riot whatsoever.”

Hayes says he has no immediate plans to head back to Iraq or Afghanistan.