Cautiously sharing

While you are requesting Iraq to rein the Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, we see that they are allowing other groups like Houthis to open their offices in Baghdad and establishing their permanent presence in Baghdad. Do you have any reaction to this? MR MILLER: Yeah. Let me be very clear: Hamas and the Houthis are terrorist organizations; and Hamas and the Houthis being allowed to operate in Iraq only risks increasing the number of armed groups that have an interest in using violence to undermine the Government of Iraq’s goals for stability, sovereignty, and economic growth. We support a stable and secure Iraq. The presence of these groups in Iraq risk bringing Iraq into deeper regional conflicts, and we have shared these concerns directly with the Government of Iraq.

State department Sept. 16

Yes, sir?

Q: Thank you, General. So, Hamas leaders are going to open their offices in Baghdad being protected by Iraqi Hezbollah fighters. How does strengthen the Islamic resistance in Iraq and in the region?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: Let me — let me make sure I understand. How does opening a Hamas office affect ISIS?

Q: Yeah, going to open their offices in Baghdad that are protected by Iraqi Hezbollah fighters. Do you think it will escalate the region and further strengthen the Islamic resistance?

MAJOR GENERAL RYDER: You know, what I make sure the commonality here is — the common denominator is Hamas, of course, is a terrorist organization, as is ISIS. 

I'll refer you to the Iraqi government to address the issue of Hamas opening up an office in Iraq.

Our focus, as it relates to our relationship with Iraq and on the regional security situation, is on the enduring defeat of ISIS. Our focus, as it relates to our relationship with Iraq and on the regional security situation, is on the enduring defeat of ISIS. 

Dod Sept. 18