LINK Act to Deepen US-Middle East Cooperation

Senators Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., have introduced the bipartisan LINK Act, which aims to enhance military ties between the US and Middle East partners amidst growing Iranian aggression.

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst strongly criticized the Biden administration's handling of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, accusing it of abandoning American citizens in the war-torn country.

Ernst, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, visited Afghanistan in August 2021, shortly after the Taliban took control of the country. She witnessed firsthand the chaotic evacuation of US citizens and Afghan allies and said the administration was not adequately prepared for the mission.

LINK Act to Deepen US-Middle East Cooperation

"The Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan was a disaster," Ernst said. "They abandoned American citizens and Afghan allies, leaving them to fend for themselves against the Taliban."

Ernst said the administration's failure to secure the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul led to the deaths of 13 US service members and hundreds of Afghans. She also criticized the administration for its decision to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan before evacuating all American citizens and Afghan allies.

LINK Act to Deepen US-Middle East Cooperation

"The Biden administration's lack of planning and coordination resulted in a chaotic and deadly withdrawal," Ernst said. "They owe the American people an explanation for their failures."

In addition to her criticism of the administration's handling of the withdrawal, Ernst also expressed concern about the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and its implications for regional stability. She said the Taliban is a terrorist organization that poses a threat to the United States and its allies.

LINK Act to Deepen US-Middle East Cooperation

"The Taliban is not a legitimate government," Ernst said. "They are a terrorist organization that has a history of harboring al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups. Their takeover of Afghanistan is a major setback for the war on terror."

In a bipartisan effort to strengthen military ties between the US and its partners in the Middle East, Senators Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., have introduced the LINK Act.

LINK Act to Deepen US-Middle East Cooperation

The LINK Act (Legislative Initiative to Network, Integrate, and Cooperate with Key Allies Act) aims to establish a "military subject matter exchange program" to enhance cultural ties and strategic cooperation between American troops and their counterparts in the Middle East.

"In the face of emboldened Iranian aggression, I'm deepening the historic partnerships created through the Abraham Accords four years ago today," said Ernst, who co-chairs the Senate Abraham Accords Caucus.

The LINK Act would create a permanent and effective defense alliance between the US and its Middle East partners, fostering coordination in military planning and joint exercises. The program would also provide opportunities for US troops to learn about the culture and history of their partner nations, promoting mutual understanding and trust.

"More cooperation among our Middle East partners is what Tehran fears," Ernst added. "The LINK Act accomplishes this by coordinating military planning and creating a permanent and effective defense alliance. By working hand-in-hand with our partners, the strength and security of our nations grows."

The US has been bolstering its relations with nations in the Middle East to counter the growing threat of a potential nuclear Iran. The Biden administration has recently lifted a hold on $320 million in military aid to Egypt, bringing the total amount transferred from Washington to Cairo this year to $1.3 billion.

Egypt is playing a central role in the talks between Hamas and Israel about a cease-fire agreement. The US has also been working to strengthen its ties with Saudi Arabia, a major regional power with a mixed human rights record.

The US's strategy in the Middle East is focused on countering Iran's influence, promoting regional stability, and ensuring the free flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz. The LINK Act is a key part of this strategy, as it will help to build stronger military relationships with US partners in the region.