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Durbin Urges Caution in Iraq Strikes

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin says he understands the reasoning behind limited air strikes on Iraq, but says he still has concerns about American involvement there.

President Barack Obama last Thursday authorized the bombings of the terrorist organization The Islamic State -- which had surrounded a large group of ethnic minorities, cutting them off from food and water.

The White House also says the action is necessary to protect an American embassy in northern Iraq. Durbin says he's relieved the military involvement does not involve troops on the ground in Iraq. But the Democrat says American appetite for Mid-East involvement is waning.
 
"It is very obvious to all of us: Iraq is sadly descending into chaos. And unless the Iraqi people step up to govern their own country, protect their own country, fight for their own country, there are no numbers of American troops that can do it for them."
 
Republican U.S. Senator Mark Kirk says he supports the limited air strikes.  In a statement, Kirk said that President Obama should also collaborate with Congress to find a long-term solution for the Middle East.
 

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