Friday, the White House issued the following:
The White House
Office of the Vice President
For Immediate Release
May 16, 2014
Readout of the Vice President's Call with Iraqi Prime Minister of Nouri al-Maliki
Vice President Biden spoke this morning with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The Vice President congratulated the Iraqi people on their participation in the parliamentary elections, and emphasized the importance of a new parliament acting to pull the country together given the many challenges confronting Iraq. The two leaders spoke about the security situation in Anbar province. The Vice President stressed the importance of pursuing a holistic approach that includes political outreach as well as security measures consistent with the goal of gaining local support and cooperation. He welcomed initiatives that are now underway to mobilize the population against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and strongly urged the Government of Iraq to ensure that their difficult fight against terrorism is conducted in a manner that protects the civilian population and adheres to the rule of law. The Vice President and the Prime Minister reaffirmed the long-term partnership between Iraq and the United States pursuant to the Strategic Framework Agreement, including their commitment to coordination in the fight against ISIL, which represents a threat to the entire region.
Joker Joe feels that Nouri "protects the civilian population and adheres to the rule of law"?
The same Nouri who has been using collective punishment since January?
The same Nouri whose bombings of residential neighborhoods of Anbar Province have left many wounded and dead?
The same collective punishment that is a defined War Crime?
The same weapons used that the US government supplied Nouri with?
Joker Joe, we're looking for the punchline but just not finding it.
