Statement by McCain and Graham on Iraq

Statement

U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) released the following statement today following reports of Iraq's nomination of a new Prime Minister.

"Reports that a new Prime Minister has been nominated suggest that some progress is being made toward a political solution to Iraq's governance crisis. This is good news, and we should continue to do all we can to support Iraq's political process, but the Administration cannot afford to wait until a political solution is reached in Baghdad before addressing the global threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

"Nobody should believe that the threat posed by ISIS is limited to Iraq's borders. ISIS is advancing on critical cities in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, nearing our allies in Jordan and Turkey, and threatening our own personnel in northern Iraq. They have created a terrorist sanctuary much larger and richer than that of al-Qaeda prior to 9/11 and their leadership has already expressed ambitions to attack the United States. In fact, senior Administration officials including the Director of the FBI, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General have all repeatedly warned that ISIS poses a direct threat to the United States.

"It is far past time for President Obama to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat the threat posed by ISIS. While the humanitarian aid efforts undertaken by the Administration are an important first step, they should be accompanied by additional steps to degrade ISIS's capabilities, including U.S. air strikes against ISIS positions in both Iraq and Syria and the immediate provision of military assistance to our partners who are fighting against ISIS. Contrary to the Administration's rhetoric, commencing actions such as these now can strengthen political leaders in Baghdad who seek to form an inclusive government that can unify their country and better resist ISIS.

"A comprehensive strategy to counter ISIS must be devised and we must begin to implement it now, for the threat posed by ISIS only grows with each passing day, as do the risks of our delay."

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