Perhaps Pentagon press secretary John Kirby thought he was being clever. Rather than blame Iranian-backed militias for actions in Iraq that threaten the Iraqi government and American personnel, in his March 3 press briefing, he blamed “Shia-backed militias.” The subsequent exchange made clear that it was no slip of the tongue:
Q: When you say Shia-backed militias, do you mean Shia militias or Iran-backed —
Kirby: I mean Shia-backed militias.
Q: What does that mean? No, no, seriously, John. I’m —
Kirby: No, seriously. I mean Shia-backed militia.
Q: Like, what does that mean, Shia-backed militia? You’re backed by —
Kirby: I’ve answered your question, sir.
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