Ben Cardin actually said...

There is a need to remove dams that no longer are useful for their intended purpose.

They are not going to give up their desire for independence. That is clear. They want an independent state.

If we create even an inch of daylight between us and the Iraqis, we will get thrown out again.

it is in our national security interests to make sure that Iraq becomes a stable country and does not become an Iranian client state