The Islamic State (ISIS)
is moving in on the capital city of Baghdad, but Sen. Lindsey Graham says the terrorist group doesn't actually want to overthrow the city — only to destabilize the new Iraqi government.
Appearing on Fox News Channel's
"On the Record with Greta Van Susteren" on Tuesday, Graham said he expects to see a series attacks by the group also known as ISIL inside Baghdad, perhaps against the U.S. Embassy, but also against seats of power in the Iraqi government.
"ISIL has one goal: to keep the Iraqis separated and make sure this new government can't pull the Sunni tribes away in Anbar province to attack them," Graham said.
ISIS wants to prevent the formation of a new government that could effectively challenge them, Graham said.
Iraq in September installed Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to replace Nouri al-Maliki, who was a disappointment to the West and those in his own country, including his fellow Shiites, after he purged minority Sunnis from power.
On a separate note, Graham pushed aside rumors he plans to run for president in 2016. He told Van Susteren he doesn't have the network or ability to raise the large amounts of cash that would be needed for a White House run.
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