Iraqi anti-terrorism special forces trained and equipped by the United States at a cost of tens of millions of dollars – which is nothing compared to the almost trillion dollars already spent to stabilize that country and rebuild its entire infrastructure.
On May 19, 2014 the Congressional Record contained a “blip” about a notification of the continuation of the national emergency with respect to the stabilization of Iraq. It read as follows:
A communication from the President of the United States, transmitting notification that the continuation of the national emergency with respect to the stabilization of Iraq is to continue in effect beyond May 22, 2014, pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 1622(d); (H. Doc. No. 113-113); to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed.
We checked the White House website and found a copy of the entire letter:
NOTICE
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CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH
RESPECT TO THE STABILIZATION OF IRAQ
On May 22, 2003, by Executive Order 13303, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by obstacles to the continued reconstruction of Iraq, the restoration and maintenance of peace and security in the country, and the development of political, administrative, and economic institutions in Iraq.
The obstacles to the orderly reconstruction of Iraq, the restoration and maintenance of peace and security in the country, and the development of political, administrative, and economic institutions in Iraq continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13303, as modified in scope and relied upon for additional steps taken in Executive Order 13315 of August 28, 2003, Executive Order 13350 of July 29, 2004, Executive Order 13364 of November 29, 2004, and Executive Order 13438 of July 17, 2007, must continue in effect beyond May 22, 2014. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to the stabilization of Iraq declared in Executive Order 13303.
This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.
BARACK OBAMA