http://www.politico.com/blogs/politico-live/2014/08/durbin-only-iraq-can-save-iraq-193706.htmlDurbin: 'Only Iraq can save Iraq'
By NICK GASS |
8/10/14 10:49 AM EDT
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin said on Sunday that the U.S. should not escalate military action beyond airstrikes in Iraq.
"The bottom line is this: There is so much we can do to help the Iraqis help themselves," the Illinois Democrat told David Gregory on NBC's "Meet the Press."
"Because only Iraq can save Iraq," Durbin added. "When it comes to Kurds, they have been the grownups in this neighborhood."
Asked whether it was galling that the U.S. is targeting its own military assets controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Durbin said it's nothing new.
"How many times has this happened in history?" Durbin said. "This is not new. It reflects the reality of war today, and it reflects the limitations when it comes to our fight against terrorism."
If the U.S air campaign does not work, Durbin says, the U.S. should protect American interests on the ground and in the region.
"I can tell you this: Escalating it is not in the cards," he said.