Skip to main content

Week Ahead: Congress debates return to Iraq

A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of June 16.
Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) (R) is trailed by reporters outside of a closed-door Senate Armed Services Committee briefing on the Bergdahl prisoner swap at the U.S. Capitol in Washington June 10, 2014. The White House has been trying to appease angry lawmakers since U.S. President Barack Obama announced on May 31 that U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl had been exchanged for the five inmates from the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS MILITARY

The crisis in Iraq will dominate Congress’ work behind the scenes next week as lawmakers join the Obama administration in reviewing options for a beefed up US role in a country that risks spiraling out of control.

President Barak Obama vowed June 13 to “consult closely with Congress as we make determinations about appropriate action” in the coming days. Lawmakers have ruled out boots on the ground, but many are open to air strikes, increased US military weapons sales and other forms of aid.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.