Statement by Senators McCain and Graham on Iraqi Government's Release of Hezbollah Terrorist Ali Musa Daqduq

Statement

U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) today released the following statement on the Iraqi government's release of Ali Musa Daqduq, a Lebanese Hezbollah terrorist believed to be responsible for the deaths of at least five U.S. servicemen in Iraq:

"It is disgraceful that Ali Musa Daqduq, a Lebanese Hezbollah terrorist believed to be responsible for the deaths of at least five U.S. servicemen in Iraq, has been allowed to escape justice, and is now free to rejoin the terrorists bent on the destruction of America and its allies. Almost one year ago, I expressed my grave concern that Daqduq would never have to answer for his involvement in killing U.S. citizens and that he could be released from Iraqi custody for political reasons. Sadly, that concern has become reality.

"Last year, I also criticized the Administration for failing to effectively exercise influence with the Iraqi government. Daqduq's release further shows that America's influence in the region is waning as a result of this Administration's failed foreign policy. The United States now has so little influence that it could not prevail upon the Iraqi government to extradite Daqduq to the U.S. to stand trial for his crimes.

"We now face a similar situation in Afghanistan as we did in Iraq as America draws down troops and hands over detainees to the Afghani government. The Administration must tell the American people exactly how it will ensure that terrorists in Afghanistan with American and allied blood on their hands will be brought to justice."

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