Transcripts For CSPAN3 Politics Public Policy Today 2014072

Senator johnson . Thank you, mr. Chairman. Lets quickly go back to the kurds. Ive been made aware of the facts that the baghdad government is basically in arrears on the kurds budget by 6 billion. Is that pretty accurate . There are a lot of ways to do the accounting and the math. Baghdad claims the kurds owe them money. The kurds claim that baghdad owes them money. And in that in that space is where a deal lies. And i think thats going to be part of the conversation informing a new government. If it is true that baghdad owes them as much as 6 billion, would the u. S. Support the kurds ability to export oil and obtain that revenue so they can keep themselves going . We want to get as much oil on to International Markets as possible from all parts of iraq. And thats something that we very strongly support. We worked very hard over the last six months to get a deal on the table by which the kurds would have exported as much oil as they possibly could through some of the existing arrangements with the revenuesharing allocations that exist. And that deal almost succeeded, but it ran up again the election time frame. Once in the election, it was very difficult to close a deal. I think well be able to get that back on the table. We want as much oil from iraq, north to south, on to International Markets as soon as possible. Okay. Now i appreciate the fact that were going through assessments, and were studying the problem. But i want to you have to recognize reality before you develop a strategy. But i really do want to just compare where we are now versus where we were prior to the 2007 surge. And mr. Mcgirk, youve been involved with this for some time. What was the level of the iraqi forces back in 2007 . I really want some relatively quick answers here because i want to get some data points. How do you measure the level . It was i mean, how many people were in the Iraqi Security forces back in 2007 . I dont have the i dont have the figure, but it was not a highly effective force in early 2007. But in america we had about 132,000 at the start of the surge and surged about 167,000. Correct. What were we in terms of enemy fighters in 2007 . We assessed the main enemy then was al qaeda and iraq, isil how many people were we up against . These figures are difficult. We had assessments of 6,000 to 8,000, but probably more. I understand. What do we think current isil forces are . Current, theyre difficult to measure, 15,000 or so, in iraq far less. So basically double where that we had in terms of 2007 . Isil today, according to our assessments, is far more capable in manpower, resources, fighting effectiveness, yes. Thats my point. The u. S. Troop levels in iraq are how many . Total now about yeah, weve inserted 775ish and about 100 that were associated with our office of security operation, so less than 1,000 less than 1,000. Less than 1,000 now. Back in 2007, prayer to a pretty difficult battle in terms of surge, we had 168,000 at the height of that. And isil now is double the size it was in 2007. And they have some of our weapons, their capabilities are much higher. Thats right. Where what was the size of the Iraqi Military force in june of 2014 prior to isils moving to iraq . What was our estimate there . I dont have that figure, but i can get it for you. Are we talking hundreds of thousands . I mean hundreds of thousands, but we try to look at capable and effective forces. One of the purposes of the assessment was to determine which units are effective, which are ineffective. There are some unit, frankly, that are totally ineffective, and there are some unit that are totally capable and effective. Ms. Slotkin, do you have that information . I think its just shy of 200,000. 200,000 prior to the intrusion or the i believe soy invasion . How many now . You said they lost four divisions. How many melted into the background . Again, i dont have the exact number. Its probably closer to 160ish. Do you have any sense just percentagewise of what percentage of that force would have any effective not in terms of fighting effectiveness in terms of fighting . In terms of dissolved units, but 30,000. The iraqis have since recalled about 10,000. According it our isci assessments, theres about 10,000 who have come back and going through a threeweek Training Course now. The effectiveness of the Iraqi Security forces versus u. S. Forces . Not comparable, right . Cant compare them, no. We got a real problem on our hands. Can you we talked a little bit about the threat to our homeland, that isil in syria and iraq represent. Can you describe what the threat to the homeland is because of the situation . I mean, can you make the American People aware of why this matters . What really concerns particularly our counterterrorism experts and also concerns us is that this rise in very dedicated global jihadist fighters come from all over the world. In baghdad there week there was a suicide bomber, there was a german, there was an ahn. Isil an australian. Isil was able to funnel 30 to 50 suicide bombers into iraq. We assess almost all foreign fighters. It would be very easy for isil to decide to funnel that cadre of dedicated suicide bomber, global jihadis around the region, or europe, or worse, here. That is a very significant, significant concern. They have training bases in syria, and they are recruiting on social media and the internet. Its something that we have never seen before. A year ago the president declared the war on terror was over. Do you believe the war on terror was over . I think we have a very significant fight on our hands with isil which we have to manage. I have no further questions. Senator cardin . Thank you, mr. Chairman. Let me thank both of you for your appearance here today and for your service to our country. I certainly agree that the United States has vital interest in containing isis growth and threat to our homeland and to our allies. I also agree that we have direct interest in dealing with a government in iraq that represents all the ethnic communities fairly with an effective government that gives confidence to moderates that their voices can be heard within the Iraqi Government. But it was interesting i was listening to senator johnson go through some of the comparisons on the strength of the terrorist networks, whether its isil, isis, or al qaeda, or whether its whatever, and he was drawing a comparison over the last seven years. If you go back to before the u. S. Troop invasion in 2001, at least my assessment my understanding was there was virtually no al qaeda, no terrorist network that was a direct threat to our homeland in iraq. So it does raise a lot of the questions that senator boxer raised initially that our use of military force back in 2001 was ill advised. We dont want to repeat mistakes that weve made in the past. Thats the reason i bring it up. But i started with the fact that we have vital interests in dealing with the current circumstances that are on the ground in iraq. I i know this hearing is focused on iraq, but i want to move a little bit to syria and what impact the isis is having on the opposition effective not and syria and whether were finding any of the support for the opposition strengthening isis capacity within iraq. And the network between the moderate gulf Arab Muslim States in supporting the opposition in syria, are we confident that that is not finding its way to the terrorist networks now operating in iraq . Obviously the connection between isil between the threat and n iraq and syria is pretty significant. I dont i dont personally know of any reports for opposition support being funneled to isil. I think they are in a pretty bitter fight against both the regime and the terrorists who have taken over territory particularly in eastern and northern syria. So i dont have any reports of that equipment and that support thats been provided getting in to their hands. But its always a risk. What precautions have we taken with moderate arab states and with our own support for the opposition in syria to make sure that we are not finding american support or moderate arab states support ending up encouraging terrorist activities now moving in to iraq . This is something obviously we talked to our Gulf Partners about quite a bit. Certainly over a period of the last couple of years. And we just urge them to make sure similar to the way we do end use monitoring that they have some way of telling who they are providing things to, in what capacity, et cetera, et cetera. We urge them to follow up the way we would want them to follow up. Mr. Mcgurk, what impact is the impasse in syria in the failure to have a workable plan in syria impacting stability in iraq . Thats a very good question, senator. The iraqis, since the beginning of the syria crisis and this is really all iraqis, have had a different conception of the syria crisis than we have had. Theyve been very concerned that based upon their own experience that were you to see the fall of the assad regime that it would unleash chaos on their borders. And they take whats happening within that frame. Theres a kurdish dimension in the syria crisis, tribal dimension to the syria crisis. Its accelerated the centrifugal forces that is tearing at the fabric of iraq. So its its very hard to even state the impact that the syria crisis has had on iraq. In particular the rise of the suicide bombings and car bombings, all of which we assess are isil. They come month after month and they are targeted and this is ideology, you can go back to the writings of 2004, to attack shias in marketplaces, playgrounds, mosques, repeatedly. To attack sunni tribal leaders who disagree with them. And thats why in february almost 8 of the suicide 86 of the suicide bombings isil brought into iraq were focused on the euphrates valley and anbar province, attacking sunnis who disgraced with their ideology. Then disagreed with their ideology. Then to the kurds with the disputed boundary territories in the north. That is what isil is trying to do. We got the suicide number down to five to ten a month in 2011 and 2012, and it went up this month. It has a devastating effect on the psyche of the country. Do we have any iraqis displaced within iraq or outside in other countries since june . Immediately in mosul, there is about 500,000 idps, and since this crisis really started earlier this year, the idp number is over a million. And are they in iraq, iran, other countries . No, most are in iraq, and most have fled to the kurdish region in the north. Weve worked very closely with our regional partners and with our u. N. Partners in iraq to manage this crisis. Secretary kerry, after he was in baghdad, went to paris to meet the Foreign Ministers of uae, saw, jordan, and went to riyadh to see King Abdullah in riyadh. The saudis after that meeting generously contributed 500,000 to the u. N. Agencies working in iraq, which was a muchneeded contribution. Weve contributed since the crisis began in mosul about 18 million. And were working closely, particularly with our kurdish partners, to manage the crisis. I take it that very few of these people have returned because its not safe at this moment . Yes, thats right. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, mr. Cardin. Senator flake . Thank you, mr. Chairman. How long have we known that isil was a threat to the extent that they are now . How long has the state department assessed it as a threat . Weve known this Organization Since 2003. Its al zarqawi, iraq i know weve known it, but at what point did we think that there was a threat, that they would be able to take over mosul or well, in mosul, theyve had this mode us vivendi in which they run racketeering schemes, and they selfgenerate funding for about 12 million a month in mosul. Weve known thats been going on. Their open assault into mosul, we didnt have indications of that until a few days beforehand. Just a few days before that. When did we give warning to the Iraqi Government that this was a threat, or did they have they has their Intelligence Network been sufficient to know this before it was a problem . Its a very good question, senator. In fact, weve been giving warnings, expressing concern to the Iraqi Government about the security environment, not just in mosul but in northern ninawa, going back about the last year. It was a part of the conversation that i know our Vice President had with Prime Minister maliki when maliki of here in november. Weve been very concerned about it and trying to work with the kurds and with the Iraqi Security forces in those areas to have some coordination because isil comes through that Border Crossing south of a town called ribia, and they have filled that space gradually over the last year. Without our military there conducting ground operations, our effort have been in the diplomatic field. One, to try to convince the iraqis to be more inclusive and not give rise to this kind of activity or space for that kind of activity to happen. But two, to warn them and remember them combat this and help them combat this. Seems that weve been spectacularly unsuccessful in the diplomatic arena in that regard. And do you have any response to that, or how hard are we working there . What intelligence do we have, are we passing it on, are they is the Iraqi Government simply unresponsive . Whats been the hydrohere . In terms of intelligence sharing with iraqi forces and cooperation with iraqi forces, right now as we speak, it is at a level we havent seen since our troops left in 2011. So there is some tlunts for opportunities there for us. Since weve focused on the al qaeda isil threat in iraq, going back to last summer, you see statements the state department made about baghdadi. Hes in syria and isil is an increasing threat to iraq. Weve developed platforms with the iraqis to try to develop a better intelligence picture. But a lot of it was slow going. On the political side, we are very focused when the crisis began in anbar to make clur, very clearly that any tribal fighters rising up against this group will get full benefits and resources of the state. The iraqis also agreed to train about 1,000 natives of falluj, gave them three months of training, and there was an operation in northern fallujah. And frankly, those fighters lost. They lost because the isil networks, particularly in fallujah, with snipers, with ieds, with military sophisticati sophistication, is able to overmatch any tribal force that comes to confront it. Thats the situation right now. It was also the situation in northern ninawa because we have tribal contacts up there with the main tribe up there. And over time, given the infiltration was syria, given the amount of force that isil can bring to bear, it was very difficult for locals to stand up to them. You say cooperation with the Iraqi Government was slow in coming. Where where does the fault lie with that . Was it slow were we slow to recognize the threat of isis, or was the Iraqi Government simply slow to heed the warnings that we were given, or the the cooperation that we offered . I think we started moving fairly aggressively in the summer. The iraqis wanted to do things on their own. They didnt want our they didnt really formally request direct u. S. Military assistance until may. Although there was a conversation about the possibility of such assistance earlier than may. But the formal request came in may. You know, iraqis are very proud of their sovereignty. We have a strategic Framework Agreement that allows us to do an awful lot. The notion of flying Surveillance Drones over iraqi skies, frankly, was controversial at first. So we had to develop the mechanisms and the procedures for doing these things, and we have those now well in place. Our role in congress, one of our main roles obviously is to provide funding for these conflict, for intelligence, for diplomatic efforts, aside from thousands of lives lost. Weve spent about 800 billion at last count in iraq, just in iraq. What can we tell our constituents that weve gotten out of that . Where are we now that we wouldnt be had we not spent 800 billion . I think i mean, as senators boxer said, we gave them an opportunity, and we hope that this isnt the end of the story in iraq. We believe that there is still an opportunity for the iraqis to form a government and do something about this problem. And were urging them to get on with it and, you know, i think that thats we still believe in a way forward in iraq. They just have to take the opportunity. Is it possible at all in the state departments view to move ahead with maliki in charge . Will there be sufficient trust, any trust from the sunni population that hell be inclusive enough, his government, or does our strategy rely on somebody else coming in . I think its going to be very difficult for him to form a government. So theyre facing that question now, now that the president s been elected to face the question of the Prime Minister. Any Prime Minister, in order to form a government is going to have to pull the country together. So whoever the leader is is someone thats going to have to demonstrate that just to get the votes he needs to remain or to be sworn in to office. So thats something thats going to unfold rapidly over the coming days. Whoever the nominee is has to form a cabinet and present it to the cabinet to form a government. The speaker of the parliament again was was elected overwhelmingly with support from all major groups, as of the president , and we would anticipate the Prime Minister as the president said, it has to be somebody with an inclusive agenda and bring the groups together, otherwise he wont be able to govern. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you. Senator . I want to thank senator menendez for chairing this hearing. Senator kaine and corker, as well. And thank the witnesses for your testimony. I will follow on senator flakes questioning in a moment. I share the administrations ultimate goal, as youve just been testifying to, of encouraging the creation of an inclusive Iraqi Government supported by all of iraqs different sectarian groups that has some hope of a secure and stable iraq International Markets<\/a> as possible from all parts of iraq. And thats something that we very strongly support. We worked very hard over the last six months to get a deal on the table by which the kurds would have exported as much oil as they possibly could through some of the existing arrangements with the revenuesharing allocations that exist. And that deal almost succeeded, but it ran up again the election time frame. Once in the election, it was very difficult to close a deal. I think well be able to get that back on the table. We want as much oil from iraq, north to south, on to International Markets<\/a> as soon as possible. Okay. Now i appreciate the fact that were going through assessments, and were studying the problem. But i want to you have to recognize reality before you develop a strategy. But i really do want to just compare where we are now versus where we were prior to the 2007 surge. And mr. Mcgirk, youve been involved with this for some time. What was the level of the iraqi forces back in 2007 . I really want some relatively quick answers here because i want to get some data points. How do you measure the level . It was i mean, how many people were in the Iraqi Security<\/a> forces back in 2007 . I dont have the i dont have the figure, but it was not a highly effective force in early 2007. But in america we had about 132,000 at the start of the surge and surged about 167,000. Correct. What were we in terms of enemy fighters in 2007 . We assessed the main enemy then was al qaeda and iraq, isil how many people were we up against . These figures are difficult. We had assessments of 6,000 to 8,000, but probably more. I understand. What do we think current isil forces are . Current, theyre difficult to measure, 15,000 or so, in iraq far less. So basically double where that we had in terms of 2007 . Isil today, according to our assessments, is far more capable in manpower, resources, fighting effectiveness, yes. Thats my point. The u. S. Troop levels in iraq are how many . Total now about yeah, weve inserted 775ish and about 100 that were associated with our office of security operation, so less than 1,000 less than 1,000. Less than 1,000 now. Back in 2007, prayer to a pretty difficult battle in terms of surge, we had 168,000 at the height of that. And isil now is double the size it was in 2007. And they have some of our weapons, their capabilities are much higher. Thats right. Where what was the size of the Iraqi Military<\/a> force in june of 2014 prior to isils moving to iraq . What was our estimate there . I dont have that figure, but i can get it for you. Are we talking hundreds of thousands . I mean hundreds of thousands, but we try to look at capable and effective forces. One of the purposes of the assessment was to determine which units are effective, which are ineffective. There are some unit, frankly, that are totally ineffective, and there are some unit that are totally capable and effective. Ms. Slotkin, do you have that information . I think its just shy of 200,000. 200,000 prior to the intrusion or the i believe soy invasion . How many now . You said they lost four divisions. How many melted into the background . Again, i dont have the exact number. Its probably closer to 160ish. Do you have any sense just percentagewise of what percentage of that force would have any effective not in terms of fighting effectiveness in terms of fighting . In terms of dissolved units, but 30,000. The iraqis have since recalled about 10,000. According it our isci assessments, theres about 10,000 who have come back and going through a threeweek Training Course<\/a> now. The effectiveness of the Iraqi Security<\/a> forces versus u. S. Forces . Not comparable, right . Cant compare them, no. We got a real problem on our hands. Can you we talked a little bit about the threat to our homeland, that isil in syria and iraq represent. Can you describe what the threat to the homeland is because of the situation . I mean, can you make the American People<\/a> aware of why this matters . What really concerns particularly our counterterrorism experts and also concerns us is that this rise in very dedicated global jihadist fighters come from all over the world. In baghdad there week there was a suicide bomber, there was a german, there was an ahn. Isil an australian. Isil was able to funnel 30 to 50 suicide bombers into iraq. We assess almost all foreign fighters. It would be very easy for isil to decide to funnel that cadre of dedicated suicide bomber, global jihadis around the region, or europe, or worse, here. That is a very significant, significant concern. They have training bases in syria, and they are recruiting on social media and the internet. Its something that we have never seen before. A year ago the president declared the war on terror was over. Do you believe the war on terror was over . I think we have a very significant fight on our hands with isil which we have to manage. I have no further questions. Senator cardin . Thank you, mr. Chairman. Let me thank both of you for your appearance here today and for your service to our country. I certainly agree that the United States<\/a> has vital interest in containing isis growth and threat to our homeland and to our allies. I also agree that we have direct interest in dealing with a government in iraq that represents all the ethnic communities fairly with an effective government that gives confidence to moderates that their voices can be heard within the Iraqi Government<\/a>. But it was interesting i was listening to senator johnson go through some of the comparisons on the strength of the terrorist networks, whether its isil, isis, or al qaeda, or whether its whatever, and he was drawing a comparison over the last seven years. If you go back to before the u. S. Troop invasion in 2001, at least my assessment my understanding was there was virtually no al qaeda, no terrorist network that was a direct threat to our homeland in iraq. So it does raise a lot of the questions that senator boxer raised initially that our use of military force back in 2001 was ill advised. We dont want to repeat mistakes that weve made in the past. Thats the reason i bring it up. But i started with the fact that we have vital interests in dealing with the current circumstances that are on the ground in iraq. I i know this hearing is focused on iraq, but i want to move a little bit to syria and what impact the isis is having on the opposition effective not and syria and whether were finding any of the support for the opposition strengthening isis capacity within iraq. And the network between the moderate gulf Arab Muslim States<\/a> in supporting the opposition in syria, are we confident that that is not finding its way to the terrorist networks now operating in iraq . Obviously the connection between isil between the threat and n iraq and syria is pretty significant. I dont i dont personally know of any reports for opposition support being funneled to isil. I think they are in a pretty bitter fight against both the regime and the terrorists who have taken over territory particularly in eastern and northern syria. So i dont have any reports of that equipment and that support thats been provided getting in to their hands. But its always a risk. What precautions have we taken with moderate arab states and with our own support for the opposition in syria to make sure that we are not finding american support or moderate arab states support ending up encouraging terrorist activities now moving in to iraq . This is something obviously we talked to our Gulf Partners<\/a> about quite a bit. Certainly over a period of the last couple of years. And we just urge them to make sure similar to the way we do end use monitoring that they have some way of telling who they are providing things to, in what capacity, et cetera, et cetera. We urge them to follow up the way we would want them to follow up. Mr. Mcgurk, what impact is the impasse in syria in the failure to have a workable plan in syria impacting stability in iraq . Thats a very good question, senator. The iraqis, since the beginning of the syria crisis and this is really all iraqis, have had a different conception of the syria crisis than we have had. Theyve been very concerned that based upon their own experience that were you to see the fall of the assad regime that it would unleash chaos on their borders. And they take whats happening within that frame. Theres a kurdish dimension in the syria crisis, tribal dimension to the syria crisis. Its accelerated the centrifugal forces that is tearing at the fabric of iraq. So its its very hard to even state the impact that the syria crisis has had on iraq. In particular the rise of the suicide bombings and car bombings, all of which we assess are isil. They come month after month and they are targeted and this is ideology, you can go back to the writings of 2004, to attack shias in marketplaces, playgrounds, mosques, repeatedly. To attack sunni tribal leaders who disagree with them. And thats why in february almost 8 of the suicide 86 of the suicide bombings isil brought into iraq were focused on the euphrates valley and anbar province, attacking sunnis who disgraced with their ideology. Then disagreed with their ideology. Then to the kurds with the disputed boundary territories in the north. That is what isil is trying to do. We got the suicide number down to five to ten a month in 2011 and 2012, and it went up this month. It has a devastating effect on the psyche of the country. Do we have any iraqis displaced within iraq or outside in other countries since june . Immediately in mosul, there is about 500,000 idps, and since this crisis really started earlier this year, the idp number is over a million. And are they in iraq, iran, other countries . No, most are in iraq, and most have fled to the kurdish region in the north. Weve worked very closely with our regional partners and with our u. N. Partners in iraq to manage this crisis. Secretary kerry, after he was in baghdad, went to paris to meet the Foreign Ministers<\/a> of uae, saw, jordan, and went to riyadh to see King Abdullah<\/a> in riyadh. The saudis after that meeting generously contributed 500,000 to the u. N. Agencies working in iraq, which was a muchneeded contribution. Weve contributed since the crisis began in mosul about 18 million. And were working closely, particularly with our kurdish partners, to manage the crisis. I take it that very few of these people have returned because its not safe at this moment . Yes, thats right. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, mr. Cardin. Senator flake . Thank you, mr. Chairman. How long have we known that isil was a threat to the extent that they are now . How long has the state department assessed it as a threat . Weve known this Organization Since<\/a> 2003. Its al zarqawi, iraq i know weve known it, but at what point did we think that there was a threat, that they would be able to take over mosul or well, in mosul, theyve had this mode us vivendi in which they run racketeering schemes, and they selfgenerate funding for about 12 million a month in mosul. Weve known thats been going on. Their open assault into mosul, we didnt have indications of that until a few days beforehand. Just a few days before that. When did we give warning to the Iraqi Government<\/a> that this was a threat, or did they have they has their Intelligence Network<\/a> been sufficient to know this before it was a problem . Its a very good question, senator. In fact, weve been giving warnings, expressing concern to the Iraqi Government<\/a> about the security environment, not just in mosul but in northern ninawa, going back about the last year. It was a part of the conversation that i know our Vice President<\/a> had with Prime Minister<\/a> maliki when maliki of here in november. Weve been very concerned about it and trying to work with the kurds and with the Iraqi Security<\/a> forces in those areas to have some coordination because isil comes through that Border Crossing<\/a> south of a town called ribia, and they have filled that space gradually over the last year. Without our military there conducting ground operations, our effort have been in the diplomatic field. One, to try to convince the iraqis to be more inclusive and not give rise to this kind of activity or space for that kind of activity to happen. But two, to warn them and remember them combat this and help them combat this. Seems that weve been spectacularly unsuccessful in the diplomatic arena in that regard. And do you have any response to that, or how hard are we working there . What intelligence do we have, are we passing it on, are they is the Iraqi Government<\/a> simply unresponsive . Whats been the hydrohere . In terms of intelligence sharing with iraqi forces and cooperation with iraqi forces, right now as we speak, it is at a level we havent seen since our troops left in 2011. So there is some tlunts for opportunities there for us. Since weve focused on the al qaeda isil threat in iraq, going back to last summer, you see statements the state department made about baghdadi. Hes in syria and isil is an increasing threat to iraq. Weve developed platforms with the iraqis to try to develop a better intelligence picture. But a lot of it was slow going. On the political side, we are very focused when the crisis began in anbar to make clur, very clearly that any tribal fighters rising up against this group will get full benefits and resources of the state. The iraqis also agreed to train about 1,000 natives of falluj, gave them three months of training, and there was an operation in northern fallujah. And frankly, those fighters lost. They lost because the isil networks, particularly in fallujah, with snipers, with ieds, with military sophisticati sophistication, is able to overmatch any tribal force that comes to confront it. Thats the situation right now. It was also the situation in northern ninawa because we have tribal contacts up there with the main tribe up there. And over time, given the infiltration was syria, given the amount of force that isil can bring to bear, it was very difficult for locals to stand up to them. You say cooperation with the Iraqi Government<\/a> was slow in coming. Where where does the fault lie with that . Was it slow were we slow to recognize the threat of isis, or was the Iraqi Government<\/a> simply slow to heed the warnings that we were given, or the the cooperation that we offered . I think we started moving fairly aggressively in the summer. The iraqis wanted to do things on their own. They didnt want our they didnt really formally request direct u. S. Military assistance until may. Although there was a conversation about the possibility of such assistance earlier than may. But the formal request came in may. You know, iraqis are very proud of their sovereignty. We have a strategic Framework Agreement<\/a> that allows us to do an awful lot. The notion of flying Surveillance Drones<\/a> over iraqi skies, frankly, was controversial at first. So we had to develop the mechanisms and the procedures for doing these things, and we have those now well in place. Our role in congress, one of our main roles obviously is to provide funding for these conflict, for intelligence, for diplomatic efforts, aside from thousands of lives lost. Weve spent about 800 billion at last count in iraq, just in iraq. What can we tell our constituents that weve gotten out of that . Where are we now that we wouldnt be had we not spent 800 billion . I think i mean, as senators boxer said, we gave them an opportunity, and we hope that this isnt the end of the story in iraq. We believe that there is still an opportunity for the iraqis to form a government and do something about this problem. And were urging them to get on with it and, you know, i think that thats we still believe in a way forward in iraq. They just have to take the opportunity. Is it possible at all in the state departments view to move ahead with maliki in charge . Will there be sufficient trust, any trust from the sunni population that hell be inclusive enough, his government, or does our strategy rely on somebody else coming in . I think its going to be very difficult for him to form a government. So theyre facing that question now, now that the president s been elected to face the question of the Prime Minister<\/a>. Any Prime Minister<\/a>, in order to form a government is going to have to pull the country together. So whoever the leader is is someone thats going to have to demonstrate that just to get the votes he needs to remain or to be sworn in to office. So thats something thats going to unfold rapidly over the coming days. Whoever the nominee is has to form a cabinet and present it to the cabinet to form a government. The speaker of the parliament again was was elected overwhelmingly with support from all major groups, as of the president , and we would anticipate the Prime Minister<\/a> as the president said, it has to be somebody with an inclusive agenda and bring the groups together, otherwise he wont be able to govern. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you. Senator . I want to thank senator menendez for chairing this hearing. Senator kaine and corker, as well. And thank the witnesses for your testimony. I will follow on senator flakes questioning in a moment. I share the administrations ultimate goal, as youve just been testifying to, of encouraging the creation of an inclusive Iraqi Government<\/a> supported by all of iraqs different sectarian groups that has some hope of a secure and stable iraq Going Forward<\/a> given how much has been sacrificed over how many years. Ill renew a theme youve heard from several senators, that i do not support a return of active u. S. Combat troop presence in iraq. I am concerned about the security of our embassy and personnel. And im very concerned about the region and about some of our vital regional allies. So first, i think we do need to well do defeating isis and the regional threat here in a regional context as youve testified. And i think its imperative that we have to find a way to move forward that has some reasonable chance of resolving the ongoing crisis in both iraqyand syria to the best interests of the United States<\/a>, of israel, of jordan, of turkey, of all of our regional allies. So on the point you were just discussing, what do you see as the prospects, the path forward for a political solution in the next 15 days . Have you met with anyone who strikes you as a promising potential Prime Minister<\/a> who really could bridge these divides given reports of highlevel delegations of Iranian Military<\/a> officials and diplomats meeting in baghdad and najaf . Im concerned that there are fewer and fewer realistic chances of a broadbased inclusive government being formed given active interference, engagement from iran. I can speak a little bit to the process. This was iraqs Third National<\/a> election they held on april 30th. It was win of the best elections theyve held in terms of the turnout. In 2006, it took about seven months to form a government in an extremely difficult process. And what they did was they built this very bloated government with every seat filled and voted in to office. In 2010, they wound up being the same thing. It took nine months, and again they built a bloated structure, then swore it in to office. This year, this time theyre proceeding quite differently. Theyre moving through their constitutional timeline, speaker, president , now Prime Minister<\/a>. Its moving much faster than ever before. Again, nine months in 2010, were less than three months out from the april elections. And were now on the step for the Prime Minister<\/a>ship. Id be hesitant to put timelines on it because its a very complicated process. The 328 members in the Iraqi Parliament<\/a> represent the entire spectrum represent the thought in iraq. Its difficult to get full unity on any one person or any one issue. So there will be a very strong debate. Its not not beanbaged the political process there. And now theyre starting to focus on the most critical question of who is going to lead the country as the chief executive. Your riveting description of the fall of mosul suggests that a lack of urgency, a lack of reality about the situation on the ground was outcome determinative, led to failure to act in a timely way, and to isis sweeping across much of the center of the country. Do you think theres a sense of urgency, a sense of reality both as to the defense posture that isif faces and to the political challenges that they face . Yes. And there is a culture in iraq that sometimes folks dont want to give their leaders bad news. And sometimes were the ones who have to deliver the bad news and say you face an urgent situation. Mosul is a good example of that. The generals were not saying that it was particularly urgent. So we are often the ones that have that do that. Now given the information we have, given the relationships we have on the ground, military relationships, were able to give them a very clear picture of the situation they face. The relative tactical success theyve had in clearing some of the highways north of baghdad, and relative because it remains very difficult, but the highway highway 1 that goes all the way north, up through the tigris valley from baghdad to samarra, they did clear that. That was partially on their own but partially because we helped them with some information. And then the next stretch from samarra to tikrit, the same thing. As i mentioned, we done advise them to go in to tikrit city itself. Thats a very difficult military environment to operate in. Again, its why general austin on the ground, to discuss with thoo new commanders who we have very good relationships with and with the iraqi political leaders how we can better approach this Going Forward<\/a> in a more cooperative way. Miss slotkin, theres been widespread reports of sunnis sort of bristling under isis rule. They are extreme, they conduct not just terror attacks and suicide bombings and target assassinations, but they were imposing a particularly harsh form of sharia. What prospects are there for outreach for reengagement with element of the Sunni Community<\/a> that might assist the Iraqi Security<\/a> forces, might play some role in rising up against isis in a replay of what happened previously . Yeah. I think weve seen this story before in our own experience in iraq. That many of these groups who may give tacit support to terrorist organizations in their neighborhoods as soon as there is some prospects of turning against them and they know they have some support from their Central Government<\/a> to do it, then they will turn on them. They dont like living under sometimes the sharia law thats been imposed on them. So i think the prospects are still there, but i think ultimately it will come down to whether they feel like they have a partner in the Central Government<\/a> of iraq. There is something to break away for. And that is up to the Iraqi Government<\/a>, the new government will have to attract the sunnis away from isis and isil and toward them, and the the Security Forces<\/a> have to be a part of that. At the end of the day it is about a political compromise that they strike in baghdad and lure those sunnis away. I am particularly concerned about our vital ally in the region, jordan, about their both military and economic and strategic stability given the flood of refugees that theyve already been taking in as a result of the Syrian Crisis<\/a> and about the open increasingly porous borders. What concrete steps are we taking to reinforce and to ensure the stability and vibrancy of jordan, and how does the announced intent to deliver support to the vetted moderate syrian resistance strengthen tha that . So i think the most important thing is that the jordanian military is a very Capable Military<\/a> force. So we are very focused on the threat right on their border, but so are they. Theyve reinforced their troops on their border with iraq, and we have we have a very close relationship military to military with the jordanians and talk with them on a daily basis. Again, because of the syria crisis, the u. S. Already had a robust presence in the country. We have f16s there. We have a patriot battery there. We have a 3 hundred million fmf program, education there. It is a strong relationship, one of the strongest in the region. I feel confident that we are doing everything we can in response to help them with their situation on the border. And i think the idea of supporting moderate vetted opposition in syria is only more positive. We need the United States<\/a> needs capable partners and formul platforms to deal withdrawal this threat. The jordanians are a big part of that and so will the syrian moderate opposition. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you. Senator rich defers his questioning now to senator rubio. Thank you. I appreciate that. Let me begin with my i think our priority for everyone here is the safety and security of our personnel including the department of defense personnel and certainly the state Department Personnel<\/a> at the embassy given recent events. So theres been increased reporting that the isf is increasingly linked or intermingled with shia militia forces that some of these shia militia forces are wearing isf uniforms, but its becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between a shia militia fighter and a and an isf personnel and weve seen open source reporting that the shia militia could pose a threat to our personnel including potentially our military trainers and others. Can you briefly describe, one, how we assess the threat of these militia, and what are we doing to mitigate the risks that they pose to our personnel given the fact that theyre now basically embedded and intermingled with the Iraqi Security<\/a> force personnel that were working side by side potentially with . Sure. This is exactly what we were trying to assess by going over there and looking unit by unit in and around baghdad at things like command and control, morale, and in particular infiltration of militias. The grand ayatollah sis tani put out a call for volunteers to join the military. As these new folks came in, where would their allegiances be . Would they respond to the commanders of their unit or someone else . I think that is what weve been trying to figure out, and i think the picture honestly is mixed. In some areas we have good morale, strong adherence to command and control through the military channels. And in other places, its a more open question. Those are the kinds of units that we dont want to be working with and why we are taking this deliberate approach. There is the real risk, is there not, that shiamish that a that are there could shia militia that are there could be the ones firing our embassy and personnel as isil personnel could be unless theyre somehow otherwise constrained. Senator, the two militias are something we watch closely. Theres been a ceasefire, the shia militias have had a ceasefire in place since 2009 against their own Government Forces<\/a> and ceasefire, we have not had any attacks from shia militia since 2011. But its something that we watch extremely closely. The assessment assessed every unit around baghdad, and without getting into the details, some units are infiltrated and dangerous. Some are very capable, very effective, and have Close Relationships<\/a> with us. I wanted to get to a broader question. You touched upon it in your statement, and even more so in the written statement that you submitted. Heres the question that we get from people. That is people are outraged by whats happening, especially the reports about the Different Things<\/a> that isil is doing. By no means is this a group thats popular. I think americans understand this is a terrible radical group of violent individuals. That being said, Public Opinion<\/a> polls and just from the phone calls we get in our offices, the attitude of much of the American Public<\/a> is its a mess, but its their problem. Let them figure it out. Now i personally said that this is not even about iraq at this point. Its about the longterm security of the United States<\/a> and the threat that isil poses to the United States<\/a>, especially if theyre able to establish a safe haven of operations similar to what al qaeda did. In fact, even worse than what al qaeda was able to do in afghanistan. But i was hoping that from the administrations point of view and the state department of and department of defenses point of view you could use this opportunity to explain to my constituents in florida why this matters to america, why something happening halfway around the world in a country that people quite frankly think increasingly perhaps we shouldnt have gotten involved in, why does this matter . Why should people care about whats happening in iraq given the programs we have here at home . Thank you. Id say a couple of things. I, of course, addressed the isil threat in my written and opening statement. That is a serious counterterrorism threat, number one. These are vital, vital u. S. Interests in the iraq. Number one, the al qaeda terror threat. Two, the supply of Energy Resources<\/a> to global markets. Iraq through 2035 will account for 45 of all of the growth in Oil Energy Special<\/a> report. If iraq were exports. If iraq were to collapse in a major sectarian civil war, the folks our own economy at home would be effects to our own economy at home would be quite serious. Every single fault line crossing through the middle east, arab, per persian, arkurdish, to unleash caldron of sectarian violence that would spread throughout the wlooeft devastating effects to our economy at home. Vital interests at stake from al qaeda to Energy Resources<\/a> in our own economy are at stake. Thank you. Did you want to add something . I would just foot stomp the isil threat, you know, they are selffunded, they have control of significant territory, they are tested in battle. They are they are a serious threat. And while we dont assess right now that they are doing distinct homeland plotting, theyve certainly said rhetorically, they are open about it, that they are coming to the United States<\/a>. In my experience as a defense official, i dont want that to fester. I want to do something about that. I thank you for that. I think youve done a good job of joust lining the reason why we should care and why this matters. This is not simply about iraq. This is about the United States<\/a>. Could you then briefly if i sblaut people here in florida or brought some people here from florida or theyre watching, could i explain the plan . What are the thing were doing, two or three things were doing to address the threat that you have described as a significant one to our country . What is the plan . Let me focus on isl. We need to two doo three thing. We need to strain the network. The foreign fighter in particular. We had a meeting all day yesterday to focus on. That we have to strangle their foreign fighter flow into syria. Two, we have to begin to deny space in safe haven and sanctuary which they have in syria, why were planning to hope to train the moderate appropriation with the train and quit program. Three, we have to help iraqis take control of their sovereign space. As i explained in my testimony, a functioning federal system which n which we recruit locally with tribal structures. But with the resources of the Central Government<\/a>. There was a conversation about recruiting tribes which is what we want to do, but we have to recognize that unless the local people and local tribes have the resources of the Central Government<\/a> or nationalbased resources, theyre not going to be able to defeat this organization. What are we specifically doing and going to be doing to crush their networks and prevent them from having safe havens . Operationally, what are we going do to accomplish those goals that youve outlined as part of our plan . Well, i can speak to the iraq portion of this. This is why since the crisis began in early june, we immediately surged, a significant surge of intelligence assets in to iraq to get a better picture of the situation. We put special forces on the ground to get eyes on. And were now at the point where we have collected all the information, we have a fairly concrete, precise picture, and were coming up with options for doing just that. This will be an ongoing conversation with this committee and congress over the days and weeks ahead. Sherritt shaenator shank . Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you for being here. I want to follow up on the line of questioning that senator rubio of following and your response because you mentioned in your testimony, mr. Mcgurk, that we need to work with our partners in the region, especially turkey, to seal the border in syria to syria from foreign fighters and isl recruits. So can you talk a little bit more . I know youre limited to some extent, but about how this is proceeding and what what other partners we might engage to address this concern. No, thank you, senator. We have some experience in doing this in the late 2006 2007 time frame where it was the same foreign Fighter Network<\/a> at the time. They were all flying in to damasc damasc damascus, aleppo, into iraq. We did an anaconda strategy to squeeze the entire network from the source capitals of where they were getting on airplanes, to get them off the airplanes. Were now doing a similar effort, and ambassador bradke is Senior Adviser<\/a> at the state department under the c. T. Bureau focused on the foreign Fighter Network<\/a>. Its two parts. Turkey has a very long border. Its very hard to control. But turkey is doing some things to to strengthen their own border and focus on this problem. But also the source capitals in which young militaryaged males are getting on airplanes and going to Certain National<\/a> airports turkey. Were working carefully through our entire interagency and the next are really expert in this with the source capitals in which people are getting on airplanes and coming in to syria and with the turks. And its europe, its north africa, and its the gulf region. And can you talk about how long weve been doing that and whether were seeing any results as as a result of that effort. Senator, weve been doing it for some time now. And i can follow up with you after speaking with the experts dealing with this and have a written response. I would appreciate that. And senator sharing it with the committee would be helpful, as well. You also talked about the tremendous effort on the part of the kurdistan government to accommodate the internally displaced people fleeing from other parts of iraq. And i wonder if you could talk about the extent to which the government in baghdad recognizes the strain this is causing and has been willing to work with the kurds at all to help address this. One promising sign, senator, in what is a very dark landscape. I want to be very clear. The humanitarian situation is extremely serious, and it is heartbreaking, particularly whether it comes to the christian minorities when it comes to the christian minorities and vulnerable groups. I met with the christian leadership in baghdad throughout my last trip about how we can do a better job helping these people who are under a very serious threat. The Iraqi Government<\/a> could do more to help the Kurdish Regional<\/a> government, particularly with state resources and state funding. The Iraqi Parliament<\/a>, which is just meeting because it just convened for the first time a brand new parliament, a brand new speaker, the first session really was yesterday. One of the first things they, first they all united in condemnation of what is happening to christians in the Northern Province<\/a> and also formed a very Broad Committee<\/a> from all the major groups to figure out how to direct state resources. And remember, iraq has significant resources. Theres a budget pending in the parliament for 140 billion. That is something that the government has to tap in to to help these people. They just formed a committee yesterday to figure out things to do. And were obviously actively engaged with them to try to influence that process. So does the selection of a kurdish president help with this effort . Certainly we look forward to working with the new president , with with the president on these issues. He won an overwhelming victory on the vote today on the floor of the Iraqi Parliament<\/a>. So its a good step forward. But we work with all the kurdish leadership and all in baghdad on this. But i would assume that given his his election, that he might have some influence in the parliament that could be very helpful. Has he made statement about the need to statements about the need to help address whats happened to christians . Well, he was just elected as i was coming over in the car. I havent seen the statements hes made yet. We will be immediately working with him. And again, all the leaders to get the resources up to the north to the kurds to deal with the humanitarian crisis. Okay. Finally, again, i think this is for you, mr. Mcgurk, but ms. Slotkin, if you would like to weigh in, please do. One of the things that has not gotten a whole lot of attention but has you mentioned it in your testimony, and certainly weve seen it in other places where extremist islam has been in charge, that the plight of iraqi women and girls has borne the brunt of a lot of the violence as theyve advanced through iraq. Can you talk about what we can do and what is being done to help address this . First, senators, the fact that youre asking the question is number one. We have to put International Focus<\/a> and attention on this problem. In n mosul, the situation with isil goes from bad to worst. Theyve first gone after the christians, then kurds, and now theyre going after women, particularly young women. This is a Serious International<\/a> problem. The governor the iraq, foreign minister of iraq, wrote a letter to the secretary general of the United Nations<\/a> asking for International Assistance<\/a> against this threat to their people. So it is something that we need the entire efforts of the entire world to focus on because frankly the iraqis cant deal withdrawal it on their own. Weve to give it International Attention<\/a> and then address it. In my testimony, particularly in mosul, where i was setting up really the capital of the califate, thats what its trying to do, we have to work with local tribal forces to make sure they can stand effectively against isil which now, frankly, they cant. And the Kurdish Forces<\/a> because mosul is in a pocket in the kurdish region and eventually federal forces to be able to slowly squeeze and take back these areas. This is going to be a longterm effort, but especially for the sake of People Living<\/a> in these areas, we have to give it everything we have. And finally, im almost out of time, but this may have been asked, and i apologize if youve already answered it. There was a reported in the New York Times<\/a> on july 13th that suggested that only about half of iraqs operational units are capable enough for us to advise them. Can either of you speak to whether without revealing classified information, whether were concerned about this whats the substance of this report being accurate. Sure. So it was mentioned briefly, and i just cautioned against relying solely on a leak in the New York Times<\/a>. That the a critical thing that we were looking at in these assessments. They are still on draft. And i think whats accurate is the picture is mixed. I dont know if its exactly half, but i think that were finding units where thats a real problems and units where its it ae its not a problem. Were trying to process that. What does that mean if certain units we can work with and theyre ambitious and want to do things to take back their territory and others arent the right units for us to be working with, what should our policy number that case . Thats complicated, and thats why were taking our time to think about it. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Senator mccain . Thank you, mr. Chairman. Miss slotkin, we learn more from the New York Times<\/a> and from the wall street journal than we do from any briefing that weve ever had with you. I dont agree with you very often, but i certainly do agree with your statement you cant fight something with nothing because thats what weve been doing, nothing. The situation in iraq was predicted by us and predictable. Now we find ourselves in a situation where mr. Mcgurk, director of the intelligence, director of the fbi, secretary of homeland security, and attorney general have all stated publicly that the Islamic State<\/a> of iraq and syria or isis or isil pose a direct threat to the United States<\/a>. Do you agree . Yes. You do agree. Well, would you agree that iraq and syria are now effectively one conflict, that we cant address isis and n iraq without also addressing it in syria and viceversa, particularly with reports that we see published reports of equipment that is was captured in iraq showing up in syria . I think it is one theater. Its a tie gris and euphrates valley theater, yes. So you do believe that this califate, the richest and largest base of terrorism that i know of is both iraq and syria. This enclave . Thats exactly what its trying to do. Its trying to establish it. Have they achieved it pretty well so far . Since june, the iraq southeasteiraq syria border has more or less collapsed. That means really then if were going to take action in iraq, we should also take action in syria. Would you agree . Again, these are all options that are being looked at, senators. Im just wondering if you would agree with that. Im not asking whether youre examining options or not. I think, senators, as i mentioned, in order to really get at this network and learning from the past with al qaeda in iraq, we have to squeeze the entire network, thats the foreign fighter flow, thats denying safe haven in syria and giving iraqis sovereign territory. So if we did initiate a an airtoground campaign without including syria, they would have a sanctuary in syria. Would you agree with that . One of the reasons, and again i dover my colleague, alissa. But were focused on training the moderate opposition to have a force thats able to deny safe haven and deny iso networks in syria. Well, probably so, but secretary of defense and chairman of the joint chiefs have both stated publicly that the Iraqi Security<\/a> forces are not capable of regaining the territory theyve lost to isis on their own without external assistance. Do you agree with the secretary of defense and chairman of the joint chiefs . The Iraqi Security<\/a> forces have moved a little bit out of a we had sothis snowballing effect again, im asking if you agree or disagree with the secretary of defense and chairman of the joint chiefs who have stated that iraq Security Forces<\/a> are not capable of regaining the territory that theyve lost to isis on their own without external assistance . Do you agree or disagree . They did not conduct combined arms operations which would not take without some enabling support. So since we all rule out boards on the ground, that might mean the use of boots on the grounds, that might mean the use of air power as a way of assisting them. Would you agree with that . Senator, i just all of these options, potential options for the president , are being looked at. And as alissa said, were not going to be crowding how long have we been looking at them now, mr. Mcgurk . Sir, the assessments came in last week so the assessments came in last week. How long have we been assessing . I think we assessed for two solid weeks. Oh, i think its been longer than that since the collapse of the Iraqi Military<\/a>, miss slotkin. I think the president made his announcement on june 19th, and then he instructed that assessors fly to baghdad. They flew there and began assessments immediately. I see. And so far we have we have launched no air strikes in any part of iraq, right . Thats correct. And you stated before that we didnt have sufficient information to know which targets to hit. Is that correct . I think we have radically improved our intelligence picture overall but at the time, in your view, we didnt have sufficient information capability in order to launch air strikes . I think that we given our extremely deliberate process about launching any air strike, we would you know, its interesting, i asked do you think at that time we did not have sufficient information to launch air strikes against isis. I think given the standards the United States<\/a> has for dropping ordinance, we did not have it at that time. I find that interesting because none of the military that i talked to that served there and and even those who fly there are absolutely theyre absolutely convinced, as i convinced, as i am, that when you have convoys moving across the desert in open terrain, you can identify them and strike them. Do we know that they were operating out of bases in syria out in the open in the desert. So with those of us who have some military experience and the efficacy of air power, we hardly disagree, and that isnt just me, it comes from military leaders who served there. So, mr. Mcgurk, published media reports say this state has a thousand foreign fighters, 3,000 syrian and 3,000 iraq; is that correct . That is an estimate we routinely see, yes. And of those foreign fighters, many of them are from european countries. Right . Yes. And when returning to their countries, they dont require a visa to come to this country, which is why, as i say, the director of national intelligence, director of the fbi, and the attorney general have all stated that this poses a direct threat to the United States<\/a> of america. In light of that, do you think so far weve had a proportionate response to that threat . I just want to say if that is a direct quote from them, i defer to them on the quote. One thing you have done in your questioning of ms. Slotkin, when this started, they had zero missiles in their arsenal. With the center, the iraqis have deployed those missiles and it made a difference. What difference has it made . Certainly not in isis areas of iraq that the isis has been able to gain control of. It began to blend some of the momentum. You didnt really believe they could take baghdad, did you . No one in their right mind would. In the initial days of this crisis s crisis, there was a very deep concern that the iraqis could substantiallily weaken and it was a real concern of ours. It might have been on your part, but certainly not for those of us who understand iraqi, shiite and sunni. Ive overused my time, but i certainly agree with you when you say you cant fight nothing with nothing. Youre exactly right. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Odds and ends because most of my questions have been asked already by my colleagues, but give me the status of the safety of the American Embassy<\/a> in baghdad and our con suls in iraq. Senator, thank you. Its our foremost priority, something we watch every day very closely. Thats why we rebalance our Security Apparatus<\/a> at the embassy and we brought in substantial department of defense capabilities into the embassy and the airport. Our secretary for Airport Security<\/a> was there last week and we feel very confident about the protection of our people, and its something we watch literally every second of every day. Our knowledge and understanding of the defense of baghdad in particular is night and day different from where it was just six weeks ago. Because of the employment of advisers, as you were discussing. Yes. Let me ask you this. It ra the iranian influence in iraq, how about iranian expenditures in iraq, whether its to back up the military and provide training and assistance . What is iran doing in iraq now thats costing them money . I dont have a figure on the expenditures. All i can say is the iraqis, again, they want the u. S. To be the backbone of their military force. Thats why theyve looked to the fms program to be that backbone. Where weve developed relationships with Iraqi Military<\/a> officers, even in times of extreme crisis, has proven essential. When i have an example of my testimony, we had to get 500,000 iraqi, and that is a kinder relationship we need to continue to invest. You dont have an expenditure figure that iran is spending in iraq, but are they, or is it just more on the political and relationship side. They were spending resources. They were particularly concerned about the george and damask is. Separately were having this intense discussion about it rain ya the Iranian Nuclear<\/a> weapons and were being told from many quarters that the irani economy is still suffering very greatly. They seem to be deeply in in terms of expenditures in syria and they seem to be in in expenditures in iraq. That tells me theyre either incredibly soft, and that is relevant in terms of the negotiations that are under way with respect to the nuclear program. Ill follow that up with others. This is a question that you might not be able to answer on the record, and if so, ill submit it in public ill submit it for the record. What are the efforts under way by the United States<\/a> to disrupt isil financing . Yeah. Sir, i think we should take it off the record, if you dont mind, just in a classified session. I would be happy to provide that to you. We have had testimony in these hearings before. Some kind of financing i believe can be talked about publicly, they do distortion, they do kidnapping, they go to march chants and pay us x. Some are funding but governments who are allies of ourselves, and i would like to know in a classified setting, we will submit a written question, what are we doing to interrupt . Could you talk about your recent discussion about the persecution of christians while you were if b in baghdad . Thank you. I went to the home in baghdad to discuss this directly with him and also to intervene with bishop wardia. It is an extremely suspicious, i just had a service with about 500 worshippers across the city of baghdad in his church. This sunday he had a service in which muslims and christians came together in his church to say, we are all christians. These are all our people to stand against. The refugee with the duft ift t irt, president barzon there can i immediately after that meet g meeting it reveals the threat to the region and to us. We should feel deeply since united state feels so deeply. For the first time weekly masses not being celebrated there. Thats a pretty significant thing. I have been critical of us, the senate, for slowness in ambassadoris improvements the. Am a time in the world that are suffering because of the persecution of religious persecution of. It is a core value of ours. We have such a good story to tell, that should be with a nam prompt promptly. Thank you rkts. Gunning the conflict with isis and the iraqi leader ships struggle to taken taken and continu continues. The Group Continues<\/a> to control oil field in northeast. It brings in perhaps a Million Dollars<\/a> a day, it is being reported. With the groups am fit into the broader strategy. They need the resources so seizure vooi. They need the Energy Resources<\/a> that are stored in those tanks in order to keep mosul running. The refinery battle has been going on for a month. There is a unit of iraqs terrorist forces there, people we know and have trained who have been fighting rather h heroically. It is a very desperate struggle, but they believe these resources, too. 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