Obama sends up to 200 more troops to Iraq (up to 775 for those scoring at home, plus heliocopters)

[morningfog]

President Obama told Congress on Monday that he is deploying about 200 more troops to Iraq to bolster security at the U.S. Embassy and airport in Baghdad.

These and previously announced forces are being sent "for the purpose of protecting U.S. citizens and property, if necessary, and (are) equipped for combat," Obama said in a letter to Congress required under the U.S. War Powers Resolution.

Earlier this month, Obama announced the deployment of 275 troops to protect the embassy.

In addition to security, these troops will provide "intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support," Obama said.

The president is also in the process of sending up to 300 military advisers to assist Iraq as it battles an invading army of jihadists that has taken over major cities and threatens the capital in Baghdad.

Obama said forces "will remain in Iraq until the security situation becomes such that it is no longer needed."

The U.S. is also sending helicopters and drones that can "bolster airfield and travel route security," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/06/30/obama-iraq-isil-us-war-powers-resolution/11801855/

[enlightenment]

1. Ah yes.

The "non combat" troops who just happen to be equipped for combat. 475 extra ones, just in case they need to do some advising and stuff.

[morningfog]

2. What a creepy mission.

[morningfog]

3. I bet they hope no one will notice if they keep sending 200 or 300 at a time.

People will shrug and think it's the same 300.

[clarice]

12. Yep. nt

[quinnox]

4. Why do I get the feeling we are going to be sending hundreds, and then thousands more in all due

time?

What a legacy Obama will leave in that case, another Iraq war, instigated by him.

But, how could I forget, the only thing that matters is - Go Obama!

[spanone]

5. hate it.

[morningfog]

7. It is interesting how little support I have seen on DU (or anywhere) for Obama on this.

Usually everything he does is oh so perfect. Entering Iraq, under the Bush-Lite Doctrine, is hard to defend. I don't doubt that as the campaign for military action ramps up and the talking points repeated ad naseum, the usuals will find a way to support a new war effort (probably by calling it something different).

[morningfog]

8. kick

[WillyT]

9. On Our Way To Our First Thousand...

& Rec !!!

[m-lekktor]

10. that sure is lots of *advisors*. nt

[ChisolmTrailDem]

11. We're witnessing a slow-motion surge. We're going back to Iraq. nt

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

13. How long before we hear "Support Our Troops!" and have bumper sticker ribbons...again?

Probably after some of those well armed, but "peaceful" advisers are killed is my guess. Then it will be the usual rounds of "selective bombing", "free fly zones", "temporary deployments", with a booming finale of futile "surges" to try and rescue the situation.

[woo me with science]

14. Shh, if he sends them very slowly and quietly, no one will notice.

Lying warmongers.

[woo me with science]

15. kick

[Lee-Lee]

16. Waiting for his "Gulf of Tonikin" moment

Put enough in, let some get killed in a way that sparks outrage, and you have your excuse to escalate.

[Aerows]

17. I wish to all that is holy that I wasn't as cynical as you are, Lee-Lee

But the truth is, I am and I have no doubt that is coming

[morningfog]

18. 800 US troops, 4,000 Hellfire missiles and unknown number of armed Apache helicopters and drones.

What could possible go wrong?

[woo me with science]

19. kick

[woo me with science]

20. kick