MESOP : US REPUBLICANS PREFER TO ARM KURDS DIRECTLY / U.S. Reconsidering Arms Proposal for Iraq
While visiting Iraq, U.S. Representative Michael McCaul said Congress is reconsidering a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act that would allow the United States to supply arms directly to Kurdish and Sunni militia forces, bypassing Baghdad. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has objected to the measure, stating that it would undermine the unity of the country, and cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said he would authorize his Mahdi Army militia to attack U.S. troops if it passes.