Violence continues to erupt in Iraq as radical Islamists take over several areas including the city’s second largest city, deteriorating the country’s security. The violence has called U.S. president Barrack Obama to action, as well as other allied countries such as Iran to prevent any further advances from the enemy as well as restore balance.
According to CNN, As of Friday, Obama has yet to come to a decision on how to deal with the matter and whether or not to get the U.S. military involved. However, he may have a plan by this weekend, Obama administration officials reported. White house spokesman Jay Carney asserted that whatever plans are made, they will not involve large numbers of soldiers in Iraq as there will be no ground troops deployed. Airstrikes, on the other hand, may be an option.
U.S. secretary of state John Kerry is concerned with the militant attacks and believes that it is a threat to everyone around the world, which is why he is confident the U.S. will act in a timely manner. He also says that this violence should be a “wake up” call to Iraq to work on its political division.
Iran has also stepped up, announcing its plans to aid Iraq, including possibly working with the U.S. to help aid with the violent crisis. Iran officials stated that it is going to dispatch weapons as well as advisers to its ally, Reuters noted.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay is dismayed over the rapid demise of Iraq. “The full extent of civilian casualties is not yet known, but reports suggest the number of people killed in recent days may run into the hundreds, and the number of wounded is said to be approaching 1,000,” he said, as reported by CNN.
Over 500,000 people have left Mosul as violence worsens. Obama will be meeting with various officials this weekend to devise a plan. Meetings amongst Iran officials in Tehran continue to take place as well.