Iraqi PM appeals for help to fight ‘IS cancer’ as John Kerry flies in

Iraq’s prime minister has appealed to the international community to help in the fight against Islamic State militants. Haider al Abadi urged it to “act immediately to stop the spread of this cancer”. Mr Abadi was speaking after talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry, who had paid a surprise visit to Baghdad. Mr Kerry was at the start of a Middle East tour to build military, political and financial support to defeat IS militants controlling parts of Iraq and Syria. He said he was impressed by Mr Abadi’s plans to rebuild Iraq’s army and push broad political reforms.

Of course our role is to defend our country, but the international community is responsible for protecting Iraq and protecting Iraqis and the whole region.

Iraqi prime minister Haider al Abadi

Mr Abadi formed a new, more inclusive government on Monday in a move Washington said was vital before there could be further U.S. action to help rout the militants in northern Iraq. Mr Kerry told him he was “encouraged” by his plans for “reconstituting” the military and “your commitment to broad reforms that are necessary in Iraq to bring every segment of Iraqi society to the table.” Mr Kerry’s tour will include Saudi Arabia and almost certainly other Arab capitals.

Middle East Iraq