Obama Weighs Option of 'Increasing Forces' in Iraq

U.S. officials say the President is prepared to authorize the deployment of 500 more military trainers to Iraq to train the Iraqi army and allied militias in Baghdad. Alistair Baskey, spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, told AFP, "We are currently considering various options to increase the training and equipping of Iraqi security forces." Baskey added that among these options is sending additional military trainers. Recent reports about the potential increase of trainers and equipment for Iraqi forces come as the self-proclaimed Islamic State has made new advances in the country. This Islamist group has captured Ramadi, the capital of Anbar, Iraq's largest province, as well as several border bases in the country and Syria. These recent events have prompted a response from the U.S. Department of Defense, and it appears that the Pentagon is planning additional options alongside airstrikes conducted by a U.S.-led coalition in Syria and Iraq. Colonel Steve Warren, Pentagon spokesperson, stated, "We are determined that it is better to train more Iraqi forces." Colonel Warren mentioned that the forces trained by the U.S. military have performed better than expected. Currently, the U.S. has 3,000 military advisors and trainers in Iraq. Additionally, reports have emerged in recent days indicating that Washington has quietly begun sending promised aid and equipment to the Iraqi army. The U.S. Department of Defense submitted a $1.6 billion budget request for Iraq to the U.S. Congress at the end of last year. Barack Obama, the U.S. President, stated on June 8 that although it will take time, the group known as the Islamic State will be completely defeated and driven out of Iraq. According to the President, his confidence in the inevitable defeat of this group is contingent upon the Iraqi Prime Minister representing all Iraqis. Currently, a large group of Shiite militias allied with the Baghdad government, which also receives support from Tehran, is engaged in battles with the Islamic State militants in Anbar province. The extensive presence of Shiite militias has raised concerns among Baghdad's Western allies that it could embroil the country in future ethnic conflicts. AFP reported that new training and exercises will particularly emphasize the Sunni supporters of the central government, although the transfer of weapons to them will still be conducted through Baghdad. Analyses suggest that the presence of these forces could play a decisive role in the battles in Anbar province. In this context, the U.S. has begun equipping the Iraqi army from a dedicated fund.