Byrne Comments on Situation in Iraq

Congressman Bradley Byrne commented today on the deteriorating situation in Iraq and advances by the Islamic  State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). On Wednesday morning, Congressman Byrne attended a classified House Armed Services Committee briefing on the situation.

Byrne said: “I am very concerned by the continuing reports of ISIS advances in Iraq. It is important to remember that this is not a rational enemy we are facing, but rather an extremist group that’s stated goal is to form their own country. They are committed to using very brutal means in order to advance their agenda.

“I reject the idea that the United States should work closely with Iran, who remains the world’s foremost sponsor of terrorism, to resolve this crisis. We do not have normalized relations with Iran, and we should not forget that we remain in contentious talks over Iran’s nuclear weapons program. I also do not believe there is any intensive military role for the United States to play, including putting boots on the ground.

“The United States has spent a lot of time, an awful lot of money, and most importantly, American lives for a democratically elected Iraqi government to come into existence. We can’t now turn a blind eye to what is happening, and we must exert steady leadership in what is a very unstable part of the world.”