Sen. Jack Reed, Rhode Island Democrat, said Monday that the Islamic State militant group can be pushed back but can not be defeated as long as Iraq’s prime minister Nouri al-Maliki is in office.
“If he goes, and I hope he does, then I think you have the ability to start organizing and directing the entire national security apparatus of Iraq against ISIS,” Mr. Reed said on MSNBC. “Without that first step, it’s a chaotic situation.”
Mr. Reed also says he has faith in the Iraqi army to defend itself and attack the terrorist group with the help of the U.S.
“With our air cover and also with more sophisticated equipment that they’re receiving, I believe they’ll be able to push back ISIS and secure their border,” he said.
• Jacqueline Klimas can be reached at jklimas@washingtontimes.com.
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