Swalwell returns from visit to Iraq

Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin), also a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, has returned this week from a bipartisan visit to Iraq.

Swalwell, whose district includes San Ramon, met with Iraqi Vice President Ayad Allawi and was briefed by senior military officials on Operation Inherent Resolve — to degrade the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’s (ISIL) capabilities.

“This trip gave me the opportunity to see up close the damage the Iraqi-led, U.S.-supported coalition is having on ISIL,” Swalwell said in a statement. “Because of the enduring work of our troops and intelligence community, we have ISIL on the ropes and are well-positioned to deliver a knockout blow.”

“The real challenge, however, is what does Iraq look like post ISIL?” he added. “The United States can provide limited, short-term military aid to Iraq but a longstanding peaceful future requires Iraqi leadership that puts an end to sectarian violence.”

While in Iraq, Swalwell also attended an Easter Sunday service and brunch with enlisted troops. “It was an honor to spend Easter Sunday in Iraq with my heroes, the brave men and women of our Armed Services and intelligence community,” Swalwell said. “I was moved by the commitment of our troops, who were spending Easter away from their loved ones to serve our country.”