What Mass. politicians are saying about the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani
"Our priority must be to avoid another costly war."
Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Soleimani was a murderer, responsible for the deaths of thousands, including hundreds of Americans. But this reckless move escalates the situation with Iran and increases the likelihood of more deaths and new Middle East conflict. Our priority must be to avoid another costly war.
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) January 3, 2020
Sen. Ed Markey
Congress is the only entity that can authorize military force. We cannot and must not get drawn into war with Iran.
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) January 3, 2020
Rep. Richard Neal
Last night’s deadly airstrikes in Iraq that targeted high-level Iranian military officials & killed Iran’s top security and intelligence commander Qassem Soleimani was done without an AUMF or the consultation of Congress. That is simply unacceptable. https://t.co/wYNJeoiFhh
— Rep. Richard Neal (@RepRichardNeal) January 3, 2020
Rep. Jim McGovern
2/ Republicans and Democrats alike do not want war with Iran. The American people do not want war with Iran. We are sick and tired of endless wars. We have heard nothing so far from this administration about how they plan to deescalate this dangerous situation and prevent this…
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) January 3, 2020
4/ increase the likelihood of extremist retaliation throughout the region & encourage more anti-Americanism in Iraq. This is a dangerous moment for the US & the World. Yet the White House hasn’t explained their strategy or told anyone what happens next. Americans deserve better.
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) January 3, 2020
Rep. Lori Trahan
“Qasem Soleimani was unquestionably an evil man with the blood of countless American servicemembers and innocent civilians on his hands. It’s imperative that the Administration brief Congress on the intelligence that they’ve described as ‘an imminent threat’ to warrant a strike of this magnitude.
“Neither I nor the American people want war with Iran. The Administration’s unilateral decision to escalate conflict with Iran without a cohesive security strategy for the region puts American lives at greater risk – especially our servicemembers and diplomats in the Middle East. The public deserves to know precisely how we’ve come to the brink of armed conflict, and why, if at all, last night’s decision was necessary for our national security.”
Rep. Joe Kennedy III
We shouldn’t have gone to war with Iraq then. We shouldn’t go to war with Iran now.
— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) January 3, 2020
Qassem Soleimani was an evil man who deserved to be held accountable for his sins. But carrying out an assassination without notifying Congress or presenting a plan to avoid war and American casualties is reckless and dangerous.
— Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) January 3, 2020
Rep. Katherine Clark
Soleimani was responsible for horrific violence. But this was a dangerous escalation in an already chaotic region of the world, and it was done without Congress’ approval.
Now this administration must work with Congress to minimize further risk, protect U.S. lives and avoid war. https://t.co/7fZqm4hMNf
— Katherine Clark (@RepKClark) January 3, 2020
Rep. Seth Moulton
Statement on US military action in Iraq against Qasem Soleimani. pic.twitter.com/n1llR2NYer
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) January 3, 2020
Rep. Ayanna Pressley
https://twitter.com/RepPressley/status/1213118473146118144
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com