US Secretary of State searches coalition against Islamic State
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U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry travels to Saudi Arabia and Jordan in an effort to form a coalition against Islamic State militants.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry travels Tuesday to Jordan and Saudi Arabia as a part of U.S. efforts to form a coalition against Islamic State militants.
As the insurgent group establishes bases in Syria and recruits foreign fighters from dozens of countries, including several from the West, the U.S. and European powers have been in search of a global and regional coalition to fight and uproot the terror groups threat in the Middle East.
U.S. President Barack Obama announced last week that Kerry would travel to several countries to form an international coalition which will help the Iraqi army, Kurdish forces in Iraq and the moderate opposition in Syria.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki noted in a briefing that while traveling in the region, Kerry will also consult with key U.S. partners and allies on fighting IS.
Psaki said that more than 40 countries have contributed to U.S. efforts in Iraq, including providing humanitarian assistance, arming the Kurds.
She also noted that there would possibly be additional stops in Kerry's travel. "It is also possible he will see other leaders in some of these countries as well," she said.
Kerry, on Sunday, discussed strategy against the militants with the Secretary General of the Arab League Nabil Elaraby, ahead of the Arab League summit.
According to a senior State Department official, the men discussed the need for the Arab League and its members to take a strong position in the coalition that is developing against the terror group.
In his phone call with Elaraby, Kerry underscored the importance of decisive action to stop the flow of foreign fighters, to counter the financing of the IS, and to combat its incitement.
He also noted that fighting IS would require "a holistic approach" that will take time, persistence; and require combining military, law enforcement, intelligence, and economic and diplomatic tools.
"Both leaders also recognized that Iraq is on the front line in the war against the ISIL -- Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant -- and that Iraq, the United States, the region, and the international community must stand together to assist Iraq in facing this threat," said a senior official, using an alternative abbreviation for the militant group.
In addition, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden spoke with the leader of the Iraqi Kurdistan regional administration, Masoud Barzani.
According to a White House statement, Bİden and Barzani discussed the ongoing efforts to complete the formation of the Iraqi government.
"The vice president emphasized the urgency of work to put in place a new government as quickly as possible," the statement said.
Armed groups linked to the militants have captured large amounts of territory in Iraq in recent months, forcing thousands of Iraqis including Turkmen, Arabs and Ezidis to flee.
The United States has conducted a total of 133 airstrikes across Iraq on IS targets since President Barack Obama authorized the military to carry out an air campaign in early August.
As the insurgent group establishes bases in Syria and recruits foreign fighters from dozens of countries, including several from the West, the U.S. and European powers have been in search of a global and regional coalition to fight and uproot the terror groups threat in the Middle East.
U.S. President Barack Obama announced last week that Kerry would travel to several countries to form an international coalition which will help the Iraqi army, Kurdish forces in Iraq and the moderate opposition in Syria.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki noted in a briefing that while traveling in the region, Kerry will also consult with key U.S. partners and allies on fighting IS.
Psaki said that more than 40 countries have contributed to U.S. efforts in Iraq, including providing humanitarian assistance, arming the Kurds.
She also noted that there would possibly be additional stops in Kerry's travel. "It is also possible he will see other leaders in some of these countries as well," she said.
Kerry, on Sunday, discussed strategy against the militants with the Secretary General of the Arab League Nabil Elaraby, ahead of the Arab League summit.
According to a senior State Department official, the men discussed the need for the Arab League and its members to take a strong position in the coalition that is developing against the terror group.
In his phone call with Elaraby, Kerry underscored the importance of decisive action to stop the flow of foreign fighters, to counter the financing of the IS, and to combat its incitement.
He also noted that fighting IS would require "a holistic approach" that will take time, persistence; and require combining military, law enforcement, intelligence, and economic and diplomatic tools.
"Both leaders also recognized that Iraq is on the front line in the war against the ISIL -- Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant -- and that Iraq, the United States, the region, and the international community must stand together to assist Iraq in facing this threat," said a senior official, using an alternative abbreviation for the militant group.
In addition, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden spoke with the leader of the Iraqi Kurdistan regional administration, Masoud Barzani.
According to a White House statement, Bİden and Barzani discussed the ongoing efforts to complete the formation of the Iraqi government.
"The vice president emphasized the urgency of work to put in place a new government as quickly as possible," the statement said.
Armed groups linked to the militants have captured large amounts of territory in Iraq in recent months, forcing thousands of Iraqis including Turkmen, Arabs and Ezidis to flee.
The United States has conducted a total of 133 airstrikes across Iraq on IS targets since President Barack Obama authorized the military to carry out an air campaign in early August.
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