At a meeting with Secretary of State John F. Kerry in Baghdad Wednesday, new Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Iraq and its partners must “act immediately to stop the spread of this cancer” of Islamic State militants.
“This cancer is spreading in the whole region, and we have the resolution to fight the cancer in Iraq,” Mr. al-Abadi said. “But we need that bit of international support which is integral to eliminate [the Islamic State].”
The Obama administration is counting on a more inclusive government in Baghdad to reconstitute the Iraqi army to put up a stronger fight against the militants, a key part of the U.S. strategy that Mr. Obama will outline in a national address Wednesday night. Under former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who was criticized for keeping Sunnis out of key government posts, the Iraqi army failed to stop advances by the militants in northern Iraq.
Mr. al-Abadi said the militants are based in Syria and brought their attacks to Iraq.
“They are coming to Iraq from across the border, from neighboring Syria,” Mr. al-Abadi said. “Of course, our role is to defend our country, but the international community is responsible to protect Iraq and protect Iraqis in the whole region. What’s happening in Syria is coming across to Iraq. We cannot cross that border. It’s an international border, but there is a role for the international community, for the United Nations to do that role.”
Mr. Kerry praised Mr. al-Abadi for “boldness” in forming a new government and committing to defeat the militants.
Speaking at the Republican Palace, Mr. Kerry said he is “grateful” to Mr. al-Abadi for pledging to take swift action with the U.S. to fight the terrorist group.
“We’re very encouraged by the comments you’ve made here today and by your commitment to do this, the boldness with which you moved to bring the government together quickly,” he told Mr. al-Abadi.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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