The Heat discusses al-Abadi’s Washington visit

The Heat

U.S. President Barack Obama pledges some additional support as Iraq’s Prime Minister visits Washington in search of billions of dollars in economic and military aid. When Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi made his first visit to Washington this week he brought with him a seemingly more stable government, some success on the battlefield and a shopping list that included billions of dollars in military and economic aid. With intense fighting continuing against ISIL, plunging oil prices and the need to restore essential services and rebuild war torn towns, Iraq faces a $22 billion budget deficit. And while acknowledging the importance of U.S. air support and training, Abadi came in search of more military equipment – specifically Apache helicopters and drones. But so far, at least publically, what he’s gotten is words of support from President Barack Obama and a pledge for more humanitarian aid. Later we’ll talk with a former Iraqi Ambassador to the United States, a retired Iraqi military officer and a US policy analyst.

CCTV’s Roee Ruttenberg provided an update on Abadi’s visit.

The Heat began its discussion with distinguished political and diplomat career Samir Sumaida’ie served as both Iraq’s Ambassador to the United Nations and the United States. He’s currently with the Wilson International Center for Scholars and joins us here in Washington.

The discussion continued about the challenges facing Iraq with these experts.

Highlights:

  • Brigadier General Ismael Alsodani. He spent nearly thirty years in the Iraqi Army – retiring in 2011.
  • Michael O’Hanlon from the Brookings Institute.  He’s a strategic military and foreign policy analyst and co-author of “Strategic Reassurance and Resolve: U.S. China Relations in the 21st Century.