Three U.S. senators met with interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi on Saturday and later called on the world's nations to do more to help Iraq in the tough times ahead. The visit by Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D.; Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del.; and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., comes amid an upsurge of insurgent attacks as the U.S.-led occupation authority prepares to hand over power to Iraq's interim government June 30. "We recognize over the course of the next few weeks in particular, the many, many challenges relating to security, strengthening the economy, finding even greater opportunities for international involvement," Daschle said.
| Daschle's in a tough race, perhaps he's hoping to convince people but I think the folks in South Dakota have more sense. |
"But I have to say I have a new and better appreciation of the progress that this government is making and the real potential for success that they may be able to demonstrate as they continue their work." He commented after a brief meeting with Allawi and L. Paul Bremer, head of the occupation authority. Iraq faces "an incredibly difficult road ahead," Biden said. "I think a number of mistakes have been made up to this point, but I think that the ultimate security and success in Iraq is still clearly within the grasp of the prime minister, his Cabinet."
| When he gets back home he'll dwell on the mistakes... |
Graham called for increased aid. "People have to sacrifice and I would call on the international community to do what Senator Biden said: Help where you can," Graham said. "If you can send troops, send troops; if you can forgive debt, forgive debt. But the Iraqi people have suffered - they need all the help they can get." |