DES MOINES, Iowa — Vice President Joe Biden is apparently leaving the door open to U.S. ground troops helping Iraqi security forces repel Islamic State militants.
During a visit to a neighborhood cafe in Des Moines, Iowa, Biden was asked if he agreed with comments Tuesday by Gen. Martin Dempsey, the top U.S. military officer. Dempsey told a congressional committee that American ground troops may be needed to battle Islamic State forces if President Barack Obama’s current strategy of expanded air strikes fails.
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Referring to Dempsey, Biden replied that Dempsey’s “conclusion is that it is not needed now.” Biden added: “We’ll determine that based on how the effort goes.”
The White House has repeatedly rejected the possibility of sending U.S. troops into Iraq for combat missions.
THOMAS BEAUMONT, Associated Press
