US Army chief against sending troops back to Iraq
Iran Press TV
Tue Jan 7, 2014 7:18PM GMT
US Army Gen. Ray Odierno says he is against sending American ground troops back to Iraq in the wake of the latest violence in the country.
The general said on Tuesday that he is disappointed by the Iraqi government's loss of control in cities in the Anbar province, the Associated Press reported.
According to Gen. Odierno, Washington should remain engaged diplomatically to help the Iraqi government get their political system back on track.
The cities of Fallujah and Ramadi in Anbar province have been the scene of deadly clashes between the Iraqi army and al-Qaeda-affiliated militants over the past days.
Iraqi military officials said that dozens of militants loyal to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant have so far been killed in Anbar.
On Monday, US Congressman Adam Kinzinger criticized the Obama administration for pulling out troops from Iraq, saying Washington should assist the Iraqi government with limited air power and intelligence operations.
"While we cannot reintroduce ground soldiers in Iraq after leaving, I do support robust intelligence operations and, in some cases, limited air power in assisting the Iraqi government," the lawmaker said.
In an interview with Press TV, American journalist Stephen Lendman said the bombing of Iraqi cities by the United States military will not end the resurgence of violence in Iraq until Washington stops supporting terrorists.
"Congress should address the root of the problem. The root of the problem is US policy. If the US policy stays the way it is, the situation won't get any better. No matter how many bombings or other activities US military forces may undertake," Lendman said.
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