During prime-time last night, President Barack Obama spoke to the nation about the U.S. response to the terrorist group ISIS. You can read the full text of his remarks here. I don’t have a lot of confidence that airstrikes will weaken support for ISIS where they are powerful, nor do I know whether there are enough “forces fighting these terrorists on the ground” for our support to matter. At least the president isn’t sending massive numbers of ground troops back to Iraq.
After the jump I’ve posted comments from several members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation as well as candidates for federal office. I will update this post as needed later today. Feel free to share your own thoughts about the appropriate U.S. policy in the region.
UPDATE: Added more comments below. As of Thursday evening, I have not seen any public comment on the president’s speech from Senator Tom Harkin, Representative Bruce Braley (IA-01 and the Democratic nominee from U.S. Senate), IA-01 Democratic nominee Pat Murphy, his Republican opponent Rod Blum, IA-02 GOP nominee Mariannette Miller-Meeks, or Representative Steve King (IA-04). I would think anyone who represents or wants to represent Iowans in Congress would want to weigh in about this policy, at least on whether the president should be able to act without Congressional authorization.
I agree with State Senator Matt McCoy, who posted on Facebook, “The President did not make a credible case for sending 475 Americans into IRAQ. The bar should be set very high before a President takes action without Congressional authorization. This crisis needs more dialog and study.”
Comment from Senator Chuck Grassley:
Sen. Chuck Grassley tonight made the following statement in reaction to President Obama’s remarks on the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
“The President has been operating from a leadership deficit on how to deal with this threat. That’s left a lot of uncertainty among the American people, as they see the ruthless acts of terror carried out by these extremists. The message from the President has to be that the United States will protect American citizens and help U.S. allies against a terrorist threat. The United States has to help our friends and partners in the region fight off ISIS. The President needs to secure the support of the American people with a clear strategy on how the ISIS threat will be degraded and destroyed. The time for delay and indecision has passed. I look forward to more details in the coming days on the U.S. strategy to eliminate this terrorist threat.”
Statement from Republican U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst:
JONI ERNST RELEASES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS TO THE NATION
Des Moines, IA – Iowa Republican nominee for U.S. Senate and Iowa Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Joni Ernst released the following statement after President Obama’s address to the nation:
“Tonight, the President finally began to outline a strategy to defeat ISIL. While I am pleased that he took this initial step, it is disappointing how long it has taken for him to do so.
Each day that passes without meaningful action, ISIL becomes an even greater threat to our national security – both at home and abroad. ISIL must be stopped, but to do so we must have both clarity of purpose and a well-defined mission.
Tonight, and and every night, I pray for the safety of our brave men and women in uniform who stand on duty in the most dangerous reaches of the globe, as well as their families back at home.
May God continue to bless the Great State of Iowa, and the United States of America.”
Comment from Representative Dave Loebsack (IA-02):
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement this evening following the President’s speech on the Islamic State. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Loebsack has received briefings regarding the ongoing situation.
“Without question, the security situation in Iraq and Syria and the escalating threat from ISIS is a national security concern for the United States. The challenge with assessing ISIS is not whether these are evil people, because they have clearly proven they are. We have known that for a long time. I agree with the President that we must not put troops back in Iraq, but targeted air strikes may be necessary to degrade and defeat ISIS. We must do everything we can to protect the American people and our interests at home and abroad. Those who pose a real threat to Americans must know, there is no hiding from America’s strength.
“The challenge that remains is whether or not certain military actions will create long-term, unintended consequences. Our foreign policy cannot be bomb first, ask questions later – that is what got us into this situation in the first place. Our allies around the world, and specifically in the region, must share this burden and work together to bolster political and economic conditions in Iraq and Syria. We cannot overcome centuries of sectarian strife with bombs alone. Ultimately the governments in Iraq and Syria must take responsibility for their own security.”
Comment from Representative Tom Latham (IA-03):
Latham Urges A Decisive and Clear Plan Against ISIS
“I support our nation pursuing and eliminating the evil that is ISIS. But this pursuit will only be successful with a clear, decisive plan that moves the world towards long term peace.” President Barack Obama tonight announced to the nation his administration’s strategy to combat the terrorist group known as ISIS (the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria). ISIS has been destabilizing portions of Syria, Iraq, and the greater Middle East. President Obama previously announced that his administration had not yet developed a strategy to combat ISIS.
Congressman Latham stated that “the president’s indecisive and incoherent foreign policy has led us to this point in history. Evil is a constant in this fragile world. And evil feeds and grows on indecisive indifference.”
“I support our nation pursuing and eliminating the evil that is ISIS. But this pursuit will only be successful with a clear, decisive plan that moves the world towards long term peace.” added Latham.
In the past weeks ISIS has killed two American journalists, James Foley and Steven Sotloff and continue offensive operations in Iraq against Kurdish and Iraqi Government forces.
Comment from Staci Appel, Democratic candidate in IA-03:
STATEMENT: Appel Responds to President Obama’s Speech on ISIL
“Tonight, President Obama outlined his plan for a broad international coalition to degrade and destroy ISIL with airstrikes and support for our partners on the ground. While I believe the President has the authority to strike ISIL, Congress must hold the President accountable and ensure that our mission is clear, concise and effective in eliminating the threat to our homeland and stopping the brutal tactics of ISIL on the people of Syria and Iraq. On the eve of the anniversary of 9/11, we all send our thoughts, prayers, and gratitude to the brave men and women who keep us safe.”
Comment from David Young, Republican candidate in IA-03:
(VAN METER) – David Young, candidate for Congress in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, released the following statement in response to the president’s address this evening:
“The president failed an important leadership test by not taking the threat of ISIS seriously earlier this year. It is clear his inaction and dithering on this important issue has cost us vital time, innocent lives and important resources. I support targeted airstrikes, the building of a coalition to combat this threat against America, efforts to prevent attacks and humanitarian assistance to the innocent. I also support the important role of Congress to be consulted in authorizing and funding these activities. We should refuse to accept a world in which ISIS is allowed to exist and thrive and threaten our security here at home, and I’m hopeful the measures put forth will begin to turn the tide against this ugly monster.”
UPDATE: Democratic Congressional candidate Jim Mowrer (IA-04) had this to say, according to the Sioux City Journal:
“I support a combination of diplomatic and limited military efforts that would help turn the tide in our favor. I believe the President has the authority to take limited action against ISIS, but he is right to seek congressional approval for the initial action and re-authorization for any expansion of that mission. As someone who has seen the cost of war first hand, I believe it is important to have strong congressional oversight,” Mowrer said in a statement.