Obama's Optimism About Progress in the Mosul Liberation Operation by the End of This Year

Barack Obama, the President of the United States, said on Monday that he would ask Congress and the international community to assist Iraq in the rapid reconstruction of Mosul after its liberation. According to Reuters, Obama expressed hope for progress in the liberation of Mosul by the end of this year during a press conference following a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in New York. Mosul is considered the second largest city in Iraq and has been under the control of the Islamic State (ISIS) since the summer of 2014. The U.S. President also stated that this battle would be difficult and challenging as Mosul is a large city where ISIS has deeply entrenched itself. Obama emphasized that once the operation to liberate Mosul is completed, it is essential to rebuild the city to prevent extremist and militia forces from returning. He added that they would ask Congress to support this effort and also seek support from other countries. The U.S. President reiterated his hope that by the end of this year, there would be further progress regarding Mosul, as well as advancements in the economy and political stability within Iraq. Haider al-Abadi also announced the start of the Mosul liberation operation in late October during this press conference. The Iraqi Prime Minister expressed hope that in the coming months, they would be able to expel ISIS forces from Mosul and deal a significant blow to them. Meanwhile, on Tuesday morning, Haider al-Abadi announced the commencement of the liberation operation for the city of Shirqat, located 100 kilometers south of Mosul. According to Reuters, this city, situated alongside the Tigris River, is currently besieged by Iraqi government forces and Shiite militias. It is reported that around ten thousand people are trapped in this city. Earlier reports indicated the potential for a humanitarian disaster in this city under the control of ISIS. Haider al-Abadi stated in a televised program from New York, which was broadcast in Iraq on Tuesday morning, that these operations are aimed at gradually cleansing Iraqi territory and, God willing, will ultimately lead to the liberation of Mosul, the freedom of all Iraqi territory, and the end of ISIS.