Iraq crisis: President Obama can ‘bypass Congress’

US President Barack Obama has told Congressional leaders he does not need lawmakers’ approval for any action in Iraq, the top Senate Republican says.

Senator Mitch McConnell was speaking after a meeting between the president and senior members of Congress.

Iraq has asked for US air strikes against advancing jihadist militants, who have seized key cities and towns.

But correspondents say any decision on military support from Washington could hinge on political changes in Iraq.

US Vice-President Joe Biden discussed possible “additional measures” that could help “roll back the terrorists’ advances” with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki on Wednesday, but also the need for national unity.

The Obama administration has shown signs of frustration with Mr Maliki – a Shia Muslim who has long been accused of discriminating against the Sunni Arab minority community and monopolising power.

Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel told a congressional hearing: “This current government in Iraq has never fulfilled the commitmen

Last year, the president abandoned plans for punitive military strikes in Syria following a deadly chemical weapons attack once it became clear that Congress would not give its backing.

Administration officials say the president may be able to act unilaterally in Iraq because its government has requested US air strikes against ISIS, which seized the second city of Mosul last week and is advancing southwards towards Baghdad.

ISIS and their Sunni Arab allies are reported to be advancing in Diyala and Salahuddin provinces after they overran Iraq’s second city, Mosul, last week.

BBC News.

UM– USEKE.RW