(Image source from: No node on draft resolution to Congress for war against ISIS})

US president Barack Obama submitted a draft resolution to Congress to authorize the use of force against the Islamic State. Obama who has time and again vowed to “degrade and defeat” the ISIS, made a strong case for the authorisation of military force against the group, saying, “This is a difficult mission, and it will remain difficult for some time. But our coalition is on the offensive, ISIL is on the defensive, and ISIL is going to lose”.

Obama stuck to his prior stance of “no US boots on the ground”, saying that the deployment of US ground combat forces was not necessary to defeat the ISIS. He said that the “resolution strikes the necessary balance by giving us the flexibility we need for unforeseen circumstances”.

The resolution calls for a systemic and sustained campaign of airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq and Syria.

Support and training for local forces on the ground, including the moderate Syrian opposition.

Preventing ISIL attacks, in the region and beyond, including by foreign terrorist fighters who may try to threaten our countries.

Regional and international support for an inclusive Iraqi government that unites the Iraqi people and strengthens Iraqi forces against ISIL.

Humanitarian assistance for innocent civilians of Iraq and Syria, who are suffering under ISIL’s reign of horror.

By Premji