Palm Coast Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressmen Mike Waltz (FL-6), Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Joe Wilson (SC-2) have written a letter to President Joseph Biden, urging his administration to take action in ending the mistreatment of Iraqi Kurds and the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) by Iran-aligned elements in Iraq.

In the letter, the Congressmen expressed their concern over the current situation faced by the Iraqi Kurds, who have been economically strangled, politically and legally pressured, and militarily threatened by Iran and its backed elements in Baghdad. They highlighted the vital role played by the United States in supporting the Iraqi people in establishing the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan back in 2005.

The Congressmen emphasized the significance of the closure of the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline (ITP), which has cut off the KRG from a major portion of its revenue. They pointed out that while Iran continues to export oil despite U.S. sanctions, the KRG is left in a dire financial situation.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken had previously recognized the importance of the ITP and the partnership with the KRG. However, the Congressmen noted that the engagements mentioned by Secretary Blinken have not resulted in a successful resolution to the crisis in Iraq and the reopening of the ITP.

In a letter sent by KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to President Biden on September 3, he expressed grave concerns about the ongoing campaign against the KRG, stating that it may lead to the collapse of the model of Federal Iraq that the United States had sponsored in 2003.

Given the urgency of the situation, the Congressmen urged President Biden to raise this issue with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani during their meeting at the UN General Assembly. They also requested to be informed about the specific steps that President Biden and Secretary Blinken intend to take in addressing this crisis.

This call from the Congressmen highlights the need for a new strategy to address the mistreatment of Iraqi Kurds and ensure the stability of the region.

For more information, read the full letter here.