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Posted on 01/01/2020 11:03:45 AM PST by jazusamo
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday night discussed the attacks on the United States' embassy in Baghdad with Fox News' Mike Emanuel. According to Pompeo, those who carried out the attacks are terrorists that are backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
"Well, what you say was Iranian-backed terrorists. Many of them are individuals that have been designated terrorists by the United States and others, coming to the American embassy and posing a risk to the American diplomats and personnel inside the embassy," Pompeo explained. "You saw President Trump direct a quick, decisive, prudent response by making sure that we had all the resources necessary to keep our people safe and to secure the compound as well."
"Any plans to evacuate the embassy in Baghdad, sir?" Emanuel asked.
"None," Pompeo replied.
"Okay. Any plans to pull some of the 5,000 U.S. troops in Iraq out?" Emanuel asked.
"None," Pompeo replied.
On Tuesday, the Pentagon deployed 750 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg that were sent to nearby military bases where they will wait until they are needed in Baghdad. Up to 5,000 troops from the 82nd are reportedly being sent overseas. Emanuel asked about the 82nd being used to "bolster forces in the region."
According to the Secretary of State, more context has to be given to the situation.
"This is 40 years of the Islamic Republic of Iran [being] engaged in global terror campaigns, nuclear weapons dreams and nuclear enrichment capability existing today," he explained.
Pompeo said that when the Trump administration took over, they inherited a difficult situation.
"The previous administration provided lots of money, lots of money that was used for that nuclear program, lots of money that had been used for terror all around the world, to develop their missile program," he said. "The Trump administration has taken a much different view."
"We put real pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran," he explained. "We will continue to do so. And you saw the president say today we will continue to hold the Islamic Republic of Iran accountable wherever we find their malign activity and we'll make sure we have the resources to do so."
Although Pompeo refused to talk about specific actions that can and will be taken against Iran, he reiterated President Trump's stance that Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will feel America's power if the situation warrants it.
The Trump administration has continually worked to "convince the Islamic Republic of Iran to behave like a normal nation for the entire three years we've been in office," he said.
The Secretary of State said the Iranian people have demanded their political leaders behave differently than they have in the past.
"Unfortunately the Iranians responded by killing hundreds of their own citizens," he said. "We've watched even in Beirut and in Iraq. Even today, there were protestors, it wasn't in your footage, but there were protestors today. We saw real protestors today, not Iranian-backed militiamen who had been directed to go to the embassy by Qasem Soleimani, but rather real protestors, demanding to say that those folks at the embassy, those aren't Iraqis."
Pompeo made it clear that America cares about Iraq and "we want an Iraq that's free, independent and sovereign."
VIDEO 8 min. State Secretary Pompeo reacts to attacks on US embassy in Baghdad
Of course, we know this. But it's still pretty shocking.What a traitor.
Bump!
I think that Hillary, Hanoi John Effin’ Kerry, Bathhouse Barry and Quid Pro Joe should go over to give their support and encouragement to the Iranian inspired “protesters” outside of our embassy. They should be right out in front and center.
I don’t think Iran realizes how much this helps Trump. “I’m the man who protects our people, keeps you safe.” And it makes him a direct contrast to Democrats who let ambassadors die in Benghazi.
I don’t think Iran realizes how much this helps Trump.
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Kind of like a shampeachment.
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Even more with moderates and liberals, because there’s no confusion or doubt that the action is right.
*** Pompeo made it clear that America cares about Iraq and “we want an Iraq that’s free, independent and sovereign.” ***
Like we wanted in Libya, Syria, Afghanistan and yes, Iraq when we took out Saddam Hussein.
A billion dollar embassy with 15,000 employees, 4000 of whom are military.
I am curious if we are still playing the game of “measured responses”?
In my most humble opinion we are approaching the Rubicon on how to deal with the Islamic animals in the ME. We either go “all in” and totally annihilate them, which I don’t believe we have the national will to do. Or we GTF out! No more Wars without total Victory and no more statements of Mission Accomplished before it actually is.
Well said.
Trump has Obama in the cross-hairs.
He also seems to have a Trump constitution requiring about 90 minutes of sleep in every 24 hours.
Norman Schwarzkopf once wrote an autobiography titled It Doesn't Take a Hero.
I really enjoyed that book. I hope someone tells Pompeo to write an autobiography. I would fight to get in the front of the line at Barnes and Noble to get that book.
Rex Tillerson may have been a great denizen of corporate America but was a loser as Secretary of State and, probably, a Deep State sympathizer. History has judged on the anti-American losers Obama chose. Condoleeza Rice was okay but tepid.
Colin Powell had all the tools to be among United States historical greats. He was only lacking the character necessary to make it so.
Thus for the 21st Century to date.
Pompeo is a treat to listen to for anyone who loves the United States.
The above as done during a big holiday, New Year's Eve and New Year's day.
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