By Associated Press - Thursday, September 11, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio applauds President Barack Obama’s decision to order air strikes on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) to help protect the U.S. and its interests from terror.

De Blasio addressed Obama’s plan after attending the September 11th anniversary ceremony at ground zero for the first time as mayor.

He spoke about his responsibility to safeguard the city, including against “new challenges” like ISIL.

The mayor said he agreed with the president’s authorization of air strikes without deploying new “boots on the ground” in the Middle East.

He chided those who wanted to do so as dangerously “rushing to war.”

De Blasio also said he believes that there should be a “real debate” before any further use of force in the region.

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