Washington: Obama has Taken No Decision on Airstrikes against ISIL Positions in Syria

WASHINGTON-The White House said Monday that President Barack Obama had so far made no decision on whether to launch air strikes on possible positions of the so-called “Islamic State in Iraq and Levant” terrorist organization in Syria.

“The president has not made any decision to conduct military action in Syria,” White House spokesperson Josh Earnest told AFP on Tuesday, amid rising expectations of US action following American attacks against the ISIL positions in Iraq.

Earnest addressed reports that the Pentagon has been preparing options for US military action in Syria, saying it was the job of the US military headquarters to plan for all kinds of scenarios.

“The president has not made any decision to order military action in Syria,” Earnest said.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al-Moallem was also quoted as saying that any US air strikes would require coordination with the government in Damascus or they would be considered a violation of its sovereignty.

 Earnest pointed out that “the president has already demonstrated willingness, where necessary … to use military force to protect the American people, regardless of borders.”

Al-Moallem affirmed that airstrikes alone won’t eliminate ISIL and al-Nousra Front terrorists. It is necessary first to dry terrorism sources, stop the financing and arming of terrorists, exchange intelligence information with the Syrian government and pressure Syria’s neighboring countries to be committed to controlling their borders with Syria.

H. Mustafa