Obama Stands Firm: US Will Not Fight Another Ground War in Iraq

The U.S. will not send armed forces to fight a ground war in Iraq, President Barack Obama told service members at U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Florida, a day after his top military adviser said he could envision recommending that the president deploy ground troops there.

'It is more effective to use our unique capabilities in support of our partners on the ground,' Obama said. 'That is the only solution that will succeed in the long run.'

Gen. Martin Dempsey told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday that if airstrikes did not end up being effective enough against Islamic extremist group ISIS, he would recommend putting troops in Iraq. Obama has said previously that he would not send in U.S. combat forces.

The White House responded to Dempsey's comments by saying he was simply providing a range of options for Obama. 'It's the responsibility of the president's military advisers to plan and consider all the wide range of contingencies,' Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.

IN-DEPTH SOCIAL - Elizabeth Chuck

First published September 17 2014, 8:22 AM