Aug 11 2014

Graham on ISIS and Iraq

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after President Obama's address on ISIS and Iraq.

"Yet another speech from President Obama without a strategy or vision to protect the homeland against an increasingly lethal ISIS threat. ISIS has repeatedly expressed its intent to kill Americans and they are gaining increased capability. President Obama should make it clear - ISIS is not just a threat to the Middle East, it is very much a threat to the American people and the homeland.

"It's time we go on offense and hit ISIS where they reside. We need a sustained air campaign to slow momentum and diminish ISIS capability.

"When it comes to Iraq, I agree with President Obama that the appointment of a new Iraqi Prime Minister is a step toward helping unify Iraq. I fear Prime Minister Maliki is simply incapable of bringing Sunni's back into a unified Iraqi government. It's time for him to go. A new prime minister at least creates the possibility Sunni Iraqi's will break from ISIS in Iraq.

"However President Obama is wrong in believing that political reconciliation in Baghdad will address the threat posed to the region and us by ISIS. Disorder in Iraq is a threat, no doubt. But ISIS has goals and objectives which extend far beyond Baghdad.

"From the American national security perspective, it is impossible to have a successful outcome in Iraq without hitting and diminishing ISIS. That seems to be a fact President Obama is incapable or unwilling to address."

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