White House Statement on Iraq: 'We Offer Our Condolences'

by Charlie Spiering

Jun 12, 2014 4:06 AM PT

"The United States strongly condemns the recent attacks in Iraq by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL),” the statement read. “We offer our condolences to the families of those killed and underscore our commitment to assist the Iraqi people as they confront the threat that ISIL poses to Iraq and the region.”

The statement vowed that the United States would “stand with Iraqi leaders across the political spectrum” but did not specify any military support to quell the uprising.

According to the Daily Beast’s Eli Lake, Iraq’s prime minister Nouri al-Maliki has requested assistance from the United States, particularly targeted air and drone strikes.

But the statement from the White House did not mention military assistance.

“We will work with Congress to support the new Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund, which will provide flexibility and resources to help Iraq respond,” the statement read, noting that the White House response would continue to honor the Strategic Framework Agreement between the two countries.

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