April 20, 2021

The American Mideast Coalition for Democracy thanks Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers for her generosity in meeting with our members on April 15.  She assured us that she stands against the US re-entry into the Iran deal (JCPOA). She stated the original deal was fatally flawed. In her new position on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers vowed to protect US energy independence. Our members agreed that energy independence is extremely important and has reset our relationships in the Middle East.  The Biden administration seems intent on returning us to a position of weakness and dependence on foreign oil.

Elie Pieprz, speaking from Israel, suggested that if the US wants to negotiate with Iran, the signatories to the Abraham Accords should also be at the table. Other members argued that no negotiation was necessary after Israel allegedly used sabotage with the help of Iranian dissidents to set back their nuclear program. Our members argued further that the Islamic regime would never uphold an agreement long-term and that any compliance would be temporary at best.

AMCD advisor Ken Timmerman recounted human rights abuses committed by both China and Iran, who are now united in a 25-year, $400 billion deal which includes military and nuclear cooperation. Timmerman emphasized that fact that the Islamic regime actively hunts down and kills or persecutes dissidents abroad. He recounted how two dissidents who testified in US court to Iran’s involvement in the attacks of 9/11 have been jailed and persecuted in third countries, namely Georgia and Germany. The long arm of the Islamic Republic is very real.

Many members raised concern about the China-Iran deal. They fear that Iran will be greatly strengthened in its terrorist activities and that the region will be destabilized as a result.

Again, we thank Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers for meeting with us and listening to our concerns.