1/ Quick important thread: For months I and others have warned State Dept that their diplomatic pull out in Iraq was going to have grave consequences for US security.
They didn’t listen, and now events are spiraling.
They didn’t listen, and now events are spiraling.
2/ I know all eyes are on Syria right now, but we shouldn't take our eye off the ball in Iraq.
The reports over the last few weeks of Iraqi security forces violently targeting protestors are deeply alarming.
reuters.com/article/us-ira…
The reports over the last few weeks of Iraqi security forces violently targeting protestors are deeply alarming.
reuters.com/article/us-ira…
3/ Brutal suppression of protests has killed 149 people and wounded 6,000. That's the highest # killed in demonstrations since immediately after the 2003 invasion.
Democratic countries don't turn their weapons on peaceful protesters.
Democratic countries don't turn their weapons on peaceful protesters.
4/ Instead of crackdowns, internet blackouts, or promises of government handouts, what protesters deserve is for the government to tackle corruption and hold the officials responsible for the violence accountable.
5/ But just when we need a diplomatic surge to help address these problems, our State Dept is doing the opposite – hollowing out our diplomatic presence in Baghdad.
This is a colossal mistake. We have to stay engaged in Iraq's success after years of war and instability.
This is a colossal mistake. We have to stay engaged in Iraq's success after years of war and instability.
