Community Reacts to President Obama’s Comments on Iraq

The community reacts to President Obama’s comments in relation to the increasing violence in Iraq.

The President stated he will not deploy troops in Iraq amidst the rising tension in the Middle East, but he is considering other options.

“We will not be sending U.S. troops back into combat in Iraq,” The President said. “But I have asked my national security team to prepare a range of other options that could help support Iraq security forces, and I will be reviewing those options in the days ahead.”

ABC-7 was able to speak with some active duty soldiers and they said they are ready for the call of duty, whatever it may entail. Lieutenant Colonel Lee Peters said the men are prepared at all times.

“Well you know in the military we continue to train to maintain our combat readiness. So when instances like this occur, and the president and congress decide that we should, you know, intervene, for whatever measures we are prepared and capable to do that.”

An Iraq war veteran, Gabe, also agreed with President Obama’s statement.

“Freedom isn’t free and we spent almost ten years over there in Iraq showing the Iraqi army and security forces over there what right looks like.” Gabe said. “We spilled a lot of blood over there and I think they need to go ahead and pull up their bootstraps and take care of business.”

The President says it may take several days to come up with a plan of action.