"American combat troops are not going to be fighting in Iraq again." (Via The White House)
Pretty declarative statement from President Obama Thursday, when he delivered remarks and took questions from the White House Press Corps.
But there was this caveat:
"It is in our national security interests not to see an all-out civil war inside of Iraq." (Via The White House)
So what's the White House willing to do in the face of the situation in Iraq — where Sunni militants are capturing more and more territory? (Via RT)
First — the U.S. is sending as many as 300 military advisers. They'll provide training, advice and support. (Via Sky News)
Targeted strikes are a possibility — an aircraft carrier and two Navy ships have made their way into the Persian Gulf. (Via CBS)
Finally, the U.S. will continue to urge a diplomatic solution. Despite calls from some lawmakers for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to step down, President Obama said Thursday it isn't the United States' place to choose Iraq's leaders. (Via Euronews)
Instead, the president called for a political solution — and urged Iraqis not to fall into civil war.
