Obama’s Islamic State plan to include strikes on militants in Syria

U.S. President Barack Obama will ask Congress to quickly authorise the arming and training of Syrian opposition forces but will press forward without formal approval from lawmakers on a broader military and political effort to combat militants in Syria and Iraq, administration officials said. Obama will outline his plans tonight in a rare prime time address to the nation, a format that underscores the seriousness of the threat posed by the Islamic State (IS) militants. Obama also is expected to announce his authorisation for airstrikes against the militants in Syria in addition to strikes in Iraq, regardless of Congress’s action.

I think the American people need to expect that this is something that will require a sustained commitment.

Josh Earnest, White House spokesman

On Capitol Hill, there is little consensus on the scope of Obama’s authority to broaden the campaign against IS. While some lawmakers say the president has the power he needs under the Constitution, others want a more central congressional role in the effort. The president asked lawmakers earlier this year for a US$500 million train-and-equip program, but the plan stalled on Capitol Hill.

This is not an organisation that respects international boundaries. You cannot leave them with a safe haven. … I expect him to be very candid.

Michele Flournoy, a former undersecretary of defence for policy under Obama

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