President Barack Obama plans to use a speech to the nation on Wednesday to outline his strategy for combating Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL. He is set to meet with Republican and Democratic congressional leaders Tuesday afternoon to detail his approach and determine what lawmakers need in order for them to sign on.
The Obama administration had been waiting to announce any expansion in help for Iraq until the new prime minister forms a cabinet. Iraq’s Parliament approved one Monday and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi was sworn in, ending months of political wrangling.
Mr. Obama could green-light the new “sovereignty strikes” in his address on Wednesday. Mr. Obama also could decide by Wednesday whether to authorize strikes against Islamic State strongholds in Syria, a senior administration official said, although the strategy is still being formed.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member