In providing cover for a regional energy deal via #Assad's #Syria, the #Biden admin has provided no "legal rationale" for avoiding #CaesarAct sanctions.
@SFRCdems & @HouseForeign should call the admin to testify & explain, or otherwise intervene.
fdd.org/analysis/2022/…
@SFRCdems & @HouseForeign should call the admin to testify & explain, or otherwise intervene.
fdd.org/analysis/2022/…
@SFRCdems @HouseForeign At the signing, #Lebanon's Energy Minister was caught on 'hot mic,' telling #Assad's Minister:
"I tell the US Ambassador she's my best friend; she could kill this deal.'
['Sure, sure,' in reply.]
'I say this laughing [to you] but I want to cry.'
"I tell the US Ambassador she's my best friend; she could kill this deal.'
['Sure, sure,' in reply.]
'I say this laughing [to you] but I want to cry.'
@SFRCdems @HouseForeign What #Lebanon's Energy Minister was saying, was he's played U.S. Amb. Shea along, but in truth, his true allegiance is with #Assad's regime & its interests.
Even when faced with such bold [& embarassing] reality, some still appear totally blinkered:
Even when faced with such bold [& embarassing] reality, some still appear totally blinkered:
https://twitter.com/ChrisMurphyCT/status/1487262436273147905
@SFRCdems @HouseForeign For now, there's zero sign of any congressional testimony on this issue -- in part because Democrat-controlled SFRC & HFAC won't put the #Biden admin in an awkward corner.
But, plans are afoot to refine the #CaesarAct wording post-midterms (assuming/IF the GOP reverses control).
But, plans are afoot to refine the #CaesarAct wording post-midterms (assuming/IF the GOP reverses control).
@SFRCdems @HouseForeign At the end of the day, the U.S.-facilitated #Lebanon energy deal promises 1.5-2hrs of electricity per day -- i.e., it's FAR from game-changing.
It's not going to 'save' #Lebanon or hurt #Hezbollah, let alone #Iran -- it relieves some pressure off both of them, in fact.
It's not going to 'save' #Lebanon or hurt #Hezbollah, let alone #Iran -- it relieves some pressure off both of them, in fact.
@SFRCdems @HouseForeign What *is* significant about the energy deal, is its inclusion of #Assad's war criminal regime as a lead signatory -- granting it credibility & "in-kind" payment in the form of gas & electricity.
And that "in-kind" power...? It'll serve lines powering prisons & military bases.
And that "in-kind" power...? It'll serve lines powering prisons & military bases.
@SFRCdems @HouseForeign For months, the #Biden admin has been wary to speak at all about the deal -- occasionally [privately] accusing its critics of being "neocons" determined to "destroy" #Lebanon.
But facts tell a markedly different picture -- so Congress deserves a chance to publicly query it.
But facts tell a markedly different picture -- so Congress deserves a chance to publicly query it.
@SFRCdems @HouseForeign Good -- @SenatorRisch & @RepMcCaul write to @SecBlinken conveying "serious concerns" on the #Lebanon energy deal, that includes #Assad's regime (due to #Biden admin facilitation).
Would @SenatorMenendez &
@RepGregoryMeeks care to speak up to, given their stake in the #CaesarAct?
Would @SenatorMenendez &
@RepGregoryMeeks care to speak up to, given their stake in the #CaesarAct?
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