Obama: US back into action in Iraq

[DrLeftover]

WASHINGTON—The U.S. is weighing direct military assistance to Iraq, including possible airstrikes, where Sunni militants have seized control of some major Iraqi cities and have vowed to march on areas revered by Shiite Muslims.

"What we have seen over the last couple of days indicates the degree to which Iraq is going to need more help—more help from us and more help from the international community," President Barack Obama said from the Oval Office following a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

"My team is working around the clock to identify how we can provide the most effective assistance to them," Mr. Obama said. "I don't rule out anything."

Mr. Obama didn't specify what steps the U.S. could take, though his response followed a question from a reporter about potential drone strikes. White House spokesman Jay Carney said the U.S. assistance could include airstrikes but officials aren't contemplating sending ground troops.

"There will be some short-term immediate things that need to be done militarily. Our national security team is looking at all the options," Mr. Obama said.

http://online.wsj.com/articles/obama-says-he-wont-rule-out-any-type-of-help-for-iraq-1402592777

 

[DrLeftover]

More:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27823955

 

[DrLeftover]

13 June

The spreading violence prompted U.S. President Barack Obama to say the beleaguered government required assistance.

"It's going to need more help from us, and it's going to need more help from the international community," Obama said. "I don't rule out anything, because we do have a stake in making sure that these jihadists are not getting a permanent foothold in either Iraq or Syria."

http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/13/world/meast/iraq-violence/