Dempsey: Arab Countries Should Join Campaign Against IS
September 21, 2014Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Sunday that the U.S.-led military campaign plan to retake Iraqi territory held by the Islamic State (IS) calls for attacking the extremists from several directions simultaneously, and its success depends on getting more Arab help.
“We want them to wake up every day realizing that they are being squeezed from multiple directions,” Dempsey was quoted by NBC as having told reporters.
“If we can get [IS} looking in about five different directions, that’s the desired end state,” he added.
Dempsey stressed the importance of gaining more Arab participation in the U.S.-led effort, suggesting that without it the military campaign might not move to its next phase.
He called wider Arab participation a prerequisite for President Barack Obama’s approval of the military campaign plan. Obama was briefed on the plan last week but has not okayed it.
Secretary of State John Kerry has already received the backing of 10 Arab countries for what was described as a “coordinated military campaign” against IS.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi said on Saturday that Cairo would be willing to help the U.S.-led coalition against the IS.
Asked if Egypt might provide airspace access or logistical support for airstrikes, he said, “We are completely committed to giving support. We will do whatever is required.”
He appeared to rule out sending troops, however, saying that Iraq’s military is strong enough to fight the militants and that “it’s not a matter of ground troops from abroad.”
The Middle East has been galvanized since June when Islamic State fighters, already in control of much of Syria, swept through northern Iraq, seizing cities, slaughtering prisoners, and proclaiming a “caliphate” that would rule over all Muslims.
The White House says the group is a threat to the West as well, attracting fighters from around the world who could return to carry out attacks at home.
Similar posts
-
Israel Is Held To A Higher Standard Than Any Country
April 25, 2024In the intricate tapestry of global affairs, one nation stands out for enduring scrutiny and condem...
-
Israel Has The Most Moral Military In The World
April 10, 2024In the heart of a region often riddled with conflict, Israel stands out not only for its technologi...
-
The Resilience of the Israeli People
April 2, 2024Visitors from around the world have seen Hamas's October 7th Massacre's destruction in southern Isr...
-
Israel: Small Size, Big Impact
March 21, 2024Nestled along the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel is a land of immense historical sig...
-
Israelis Are Fighting For Their Lives
February 21, 2024By Jonathan S. Tobin The world looks a lot different from Kibbutz Kfar Aza than it does in the U...
-
Over 2 Million Arabs Live In Israel
January 23, 2024In the complex landscape of the Middle East, where diverse cultures and identities intersect, Israe...
-
'Fauda' Star Idan Amedi Injured Fighting in Gaza
January 8, 2024Despite the severity of his injuries, Amedi's father assured Israeli news channels that his life is...
-
Israel Is A Great Country To Live In
December 28, 2023Nestled at the crossroads of the Middle East, Israel stands as a vibrant and dynamic nation, offeri...
