US seeks coalition against islamic state

The US is intensifying its push to build an international campaign against Islamic State jihadist fighters in Iraq and Syria, including recruiting partners for potential joint military action, Obama administration officials said on Wednesday.

Britain and Australia are potential candidates, US officials said. Germany said on Wednesday it was in talks with the US and other international partners about possible military action against the Islamic State but made clear it would not participate.

"We are working with our partners and asking how they might be able to contribute. There are a range of ways to contribute: humanitarian, military, intelligence, diplomatic," US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

It's unclear how many nations will sign up. Some, such as trusted ally Britain, harbor bitter memories of joining the US-led "coalition of the willing" in the 2003 invasion of Iraq that included troops from 38 nations. Others, such as France, refused to join the action.

The United States, the officials said, could act alone if necessary against the militants, who have seized a third each of Iraq and Syria, declared open war against the West, and want to establish a hub of jihadism in the heart of the Arab world.

Reuters

(China Daily 08/29/2014 page11)