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             Obama Urges Regional Strategy to Counter Islamic State

   by VOA News

   President Barack Obama says U.S. airstrikes have blunted the momentum
   of Islamic State militants in Iraq, and that now a regional strategy is
   needed to "degrade and destroy" the group.

   Obama told reporters Wednesday in Estonia that the U.S. will continue
   leading a broader effort against what he called the "barbaric and
   ultimately empty vision" that the Islamic State represents.

   "We know that if we are joined by the international community we can
   continue to shrink ISIL's sphere of influence, its effectiveness, its
   financing, its military capabilities to the point where it is a
   manageable problem.  And the question is going to be making sure we've
   got the right strategy, but also making sure that we've got the
   international will to do it," he said.

   The president cautioned that the effort will take time, but expressed
   confidence that it can be successful.

   The situation in Iraq will be among the topics discussed as Obama and
   other NATO leaders take part in a summit in Wales.

   Additional US troops
   On Tuesday, the president ordered another 350 U.S. military personnel
   to Iraq to protect American diplomats and facilities in Baghdad.

   The additional forces, requested by the State Department, will not take
   on a combat role, but will be part of the president's commitment to
   provide necessary security to U.S. personnel.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-urges-regional-strategy-to-coun
   ter-islamic-states/2436877.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-urges-regional-strategy-to-counter-islamic-states/2436877.html