- The Washington Times - Monday, November 17, 2014

Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a visit to U.S. troops in Baghdad not to fear — Islamic State terrorists were simply “midgets” with a radicalized view of the world.

In his words: “[They’re] a bunch of midgets running around with a really radical ideology,” Reuters reported.

Mr. Dempsey also said the fight against the terror group is “starting to turn,” in large part to ground forces hauling “Iraq back from the precipice,” he said, Reuters reported.

The military chief also cautioned against overconfidence, however, and said success against the terror group depended on Iraq’s ability to bridge the Sunni-Shiite divide, Reuters said.

That could take “several years,” he said.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.