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Pelosi Statement on President Obama’s Announcement on Iraq

August 8, 2014

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on President Obama's announcement on Iraq:

"I support the President's leadership to avert a massacre of the Yazidi people and other religious minorities in Iraq. ISIS's brutal treatment, depriving Yazidis of food and water in 120 degree heat on the mountain and threatening to slaughter them if they descend, is outside the circle of civilized human behavior.

"It is also appropriate that the President authorized air strikes against ISIS should they threaten U.S. personnel and other interests in Erbil or elsewhere in Iraq.

"As the President reiterated, there is no American military solution to the situation in Iraq. Defeating ISIS will require Iraq's leaders to see beyond their divisions and come together to fight this common threat. These actions are the only way to achieve durable security and stability for all Iraqis.

"I was pleased by the President's continued assurances that he will not send U.S. troops back into combat in Iraq. I appreciate the briefings provided in advance of the President's announcement. Congress looks forward to receiving additional information and intelligence on these humanitarian and military operations."

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