Arab American Institute Asks Congressional Democrats: Why Play Politics Putting 130,000 US Troops In Danger? Iraqi PM Speech Should not be Cancelled

Al-Jazeerah, July 26, 2006

WASHINGTON – The Arab American Institute (AAI) today expressed shock at criticism from Congressional Democrats of visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and their threat to boycott his speech before Congress.

In the Senate, Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Minority Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) criticized al-Maliki’s comments calling for a ceasefire and expressing concern over Israeli “aggression” in Lebanon.

“Before he speaks before Congress and the American people, we ask him which side is he on in the war on terror,” Schumer is quoted as saying.

“It’s shameful that Sen. Schumer would ask that question of a man whose country has been torn apart by terrorism and daily risks his life in trying to establish a democratic Iraq,” said AAI President James Zogby. “Iraq’s prime minister, who stared down domestic critics in coming to the U.S., should not be held to a pro-Israel litmus test, and that is exactly what is happening."

House leaders including Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Rep. Rahm Emmanuel (D-Ill) are exerting pressure on House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) to cancel al-Maliki’s address before Congress.

"It is imperative that al-Maliki’s speech not be cancelled,” Zogby said. “It is in the interest of the United States to have a leader in Iraq who will have standing among his people, and asking al-Maliki to repudiate his comments seriously erodes his ability to lead Iraq during these difficult times. Canceling al-Maliki's speech would be seen as an insult in Iraq with potentially grave consequences. We should not be playing politics with 130,000 US troops at risk.”

Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities. For more information on AAI, please visit www.aaiusa.org.

Earth, a planet hungry for peace

Apartheid Wall


The Israeli Land-Grab Apartheid Wall built inside the Palestinian territories, here separating Abu Dis from occupied East Jerusalem. (IPC, 7/4/04).

The Israeli apartheid (security) wall around Palestinian population centers in the West Bank, like a Python. (Alquds,10/25/03).

Opinions expressed in various sections are the sole responsibility of their authors and they may not represent Al-Jazeerah's.

editor@aljazeerah.info