Legislators write President Biden with recommendations in light of ongoing militia attacks.
Eight members of the House majority sent President Joe Biden a letter this week providing suggestions regarding his upcoming meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on April 15.
The legislators stated that meeting with a prominent leader of a country closely affiliated with Iran undermines U.S. support for Israel. Iran backs a number of extremist Muslim groups throughout the Middle East. After Hamas, one of the groups financially supported by Iran, attacked Israel in October, a number of smaller militia attacks were launched against U.S. military bases in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
The members of Congress wrote, “These militias have attacked Americans and Kurdistan over 180 times just since October 7, 2023, resulting in three American servicemember deaths and over 100 casualties.”
The representatives recommended that President Biden impose prerequisites that Prime Minister al-Sudani must meet before a meeting can be held. Their three suggestions were the reopening of the Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline, a full cycle of oil sales to Kurdistan, and certification from the Treasury Department that U.S. transfers to Iraq are not sent to Iran.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for the president and members of his administration as they prepare to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
- For legislators in the House and Senate as they seek to provide oversight and guidance to the executive branch.
Sources: Reuters, The Hill
