posted July 26, 2006 06:48 PM              

Meanwhile, a group of leading Senate Democrats is criticizing Prime Minister Al-Maliki over his recent condemnation of Israel’s attack on Lebanon. Maliki is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress later today. In a letter to Maliki, the Senators write "Your failure to condemn Hezbollah's aggression and recognize Israel's right to defend itself raises serious questions about whether Iraq under your leadership can play a constructive role in resolving the current crisis and bringing stability to the Middle East. " The signatories include Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Senator Charles Schumer of New York. Al-Maliki has called for a ceasefire and condemned what he called Israel’s “operation of mass destruction and mass punishment.” Several Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Hillary Clinton and Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi, have indicated they may boycott Maliki’s speech today unless he renounces his comments.