Pelosi Criticizes President Trump in Statement on Successful Baghdadi Raid, ‘Saluted’ Obama on Killing of bin Laden
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) released a statement Sunday on the U.S. raid in northern Syria Saturday night that resulted in the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi that criticized President Trump over his handling of the raid and the fight in Syria. In contrast in 2011, then House Minority Leader Pelosi gushed with praise for President Barack Obama and his administration over the U.S. raid in Pakistan that killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The statements also feature telling distinctions in Pelosi’s attitude about no U.S. troops being killed in the respective raids.
Speaker Pelosi, screen image from September.
Pelosi complained that Trump briefed the Russians, but not Congressional leadership ahead of the raid. Trump said Sunday morning that he was concerned news of the raid might leak thereby putting servicemen and women at risk if he told Pelosi and Congress in advance. Vice President Pence, according to Reuters, said Russia opened up airspace it controls over Syria for the U.S. raid that was reportedly launched from western Iraq.
Text of Pelosi’s statement on Trump and the death of Baghdadi.
“Americans salute the heroism, dedication and skill of our military and our intelligence professionals and acknowledge the work of our partners in the region. We are relieved that no U.S. personnel died in this daring raid.
“The death of al-Baghdadi is significant, but the death of this ISIS leader does not mean the death of ISIS. Scores of ISIS fighters remain under uncertain conditions in Syrian prisons, and countless others in the region and around the world remain intent on spreading their influence and committing acts of terror.
“This month, the House passed a joint resolution on an overwhelmingly bipartisan 354-60 basis which rejects President Trump’s green-lighting of Turkish aggression into Syria against our Kurdish partners, and calls on him to present a clear strategy to defeat ISIS. The House must be briefed on this raid, which the Russians but not top Congressional Leadership were notified of in advance, and on the Administration’s overall strategy in the region. Our military and allies deserve strong, smart and strategic leadership from Washington.”
Pelosi statement on Obama and the killing of bin Laden dated May, 2, 2011.
“The death of Osama bin Laden marks the most significant development in our fight against al-Qaeda. I salute President Obama, his national security team, Director Panetta, our men and women in the intelligence community and military, and other nations who supported this effort for their leadership in achieving this major accomplishment. It is a testament to the professionalism of our dedicated national security professionals that no American lives were lost in this operation.
“As we approach the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I hope that today’s action provides some comfort to the 9/11 families who lost loved ones in the devastating attacks on our shores.
“Though the death of Osama bin Laden is historic, it does not diminish our relentless pursuit of terrorists who threaten our country.”
Note that when it comes to observing that no U.S. personnel were killed in either of the raids, Pelosi credits the Obama administration’s “professionalism” for their safe return while under Trump’s leadership she is “relieved” no troops were killed.
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