Obama Outlines U.S. Plans for Iraq War,…Ready for “targeted action” against Iraq insurgents
By: Adetokunbo Fakeye with agency reports
President Obama on Thursday afternoon said the US is ready for “targeted and precise military action” against Islamists in Iraq, “if and when the situation on ground requires it”
“There will be increasing security and surveillance in the war-torn country and “securing our own embassy and personnel.” He said
Obama spoke from the White House briefing room Thursday afternoon after meeting with his national security team about U.S. options for responding to the deteriorating situation in Iraq. Sunni militant fighters have swept through its northern region, seizing control of key cities and threatening Baghdad.
The administration had been weighing whether to press Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shi’ite, to step down in a last-ditch effort to prevent disgruntled Sunnis from igniting a civil war.
‘It’s not the place for the United States to choose Iraq’s leaders,” the president said Thursday. Instead, he called for parliamentary elections as soon as possible.
The White House has conditioned any support of the Iraqi government on the prime minister abandoning what Washington sees as destructive sectarian rule. Instead, the U.S. has urged the Shiite prime minister to implement a more inclusive structure, with representation for Sunni and Kurdish factions, too.
Obama said he is sending Secretary of State John Kerry to Iraq this weekend to lead a diplomatic effort.
Quotes from his speech: “U.S troops “Not fighting” in Iraq again
“US prepared to send up to 300 US Advisers to help Iraq government”
“Iraq leaders must rise above differences and come together for a political solution”
“US ready to take “Targeted” and “precise” Military action in Iraq
“American forces will not be returning to combat in Iraq”.