Portman Statement on President Obama's Announcement on Authorized Targeted Airstrikes in Iraq

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) issued the following statement following President Obama's announcement that he has authorized targeted airstrikes to protect U.S. personnel and help threatened Iraqis:

"I am pleased that the United States military was able to provide much-needed humanitarian relief for innocent Iraqi civilians persecuted for their religious beliefs, and I support targeted airstrikes against ISIS terrorists threatening American interests. I urge the Administration to lead by working with our allies to turn back ISIS and preserve America's hard-won gains in Iraq."

Tomorrow, Portman will host a roundtable discussion on recent reports of violence against Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq. The roundtable will be attended by Ohio Christians who experienced persecution in the Middle East.

Portman recently introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning the violence and persecution of Iraqi Christians and other religious minorities by the Islamic State in Iraq. The resolution also urges the President to reaffirm America's commitment to religious liberty by helping to create safe zones for refugees fleeing persecution, ensuring timely processing of visa applications from religious minorities, and working with the Iraqi government to ensure religious minorities are protected. The Islamic State has forced Christians in the territory it controls to flee their homes, convert to Islam, or face execution.

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