Obama Says He Underestimated ISIS as Terrorists Close in on Baghdad

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Sep 29, 2014

Obama Says He Underestimated ISIS as Terrorists Close in on Baghdad

President Obama announced Sunday that he had “underestimated what had been taking place in Syria” and overestimated the Iraqi military’s abilities to defeat ISIS. He now says that ISIS, as well as the al-qaeda-affiliated Khorasan Group are a threat to the U.S. and an “immediate concern that has to be dealt with.” 

Shortly after Obama made these statements, reports came out that ISIS terrorists appear to be closing in on Baghdad with the intention of overtaking the city. 

The Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East said early this morning (Sept. 29) that the militants were “less than 2km away from entering Baghdad.” 

Meanwhile, Canon Andrew White, the vicar of Baghdad has called for prayer, saying that airstrikes are not slowing down ISIS’ progress. 

"The Islamic State are on the verge of entering Baghdad...Over 1,000 Iraqi troops were killed by them yesterday...If we ever needed your prayer it is now,” White said. 

Obama maintains that ground troops will not be necessary to defeat the terrorist organization but House Speaker John Boehner believes that ground troops may be needed.

"These are barbarians. They intend to kill us. And if we don't destroy them first, we're going to pay the price,” Boehner said. 

Publication date: September 29, 2014



Obama Says He Underestimated ISIS as Terrorists Close in on Baghdad