President Obama and Jim Patterson on ISIL Prior to Orlando

Dear James: Thank you for writing.  I have been meeting regularly with my national security team to discuss the situation in Iraq and how we can stop the advances made by ISIL in Iraq and Syria.  ISIL poses a threat to the Iraqi people, to the region, to the international community, and to the national security interests of the United States. Part of the reason I ran for this Office was to end our war in Iraq and welcome our troops home.  As Commander in Chief, I will not allow the United States to be dragged into fighting another war on the ground in the Middle East.  There is no American military solution to the larger crisis in Iraq; the only lasting solution is reconciliation among Iraqi communities and stronger Iraqi security forces.  Our assistance to Iraq includes sharing intelligence information, providing military advisers, and delivering ammunition and military equipment.  Additionally, we continue to work with the international community and government of Iraq to provide support for almost 3 million Iraqis displaced by conflict.  Our partnership with Iraq is premised on an inclusive political process—including steps that demonstrate the commitment of Iraqi leaders to represent the legitimate interests of all Iraqis.  We are encouraged by the progress made by Prime Minister Abadi to implement a national program to address the urgent needs and grievances of the Iraqi people. Beyond partnership with Iraq, we formed a global coalition of more than 60 countries and partners working to deny ISIL a safe haven, to counter the flow of fighters, and to diminish ISIL’s access to the sources of funding and weapons that have fueled the group’s advances in the Middle East.  At the same time, we are leading a diplomatic effort to work with Iraqi leaders and countries in the region to support stability.  Iraq’s leaders have taken important steps to enhance their relationships with regional partners, and to rise above their differences to forge support for a political plan for their country’s future.  All Iraqis, no matter which faith they follow, must be confident they can live safely in their country and advance their interests and aspirations through the political process rather than through violence. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts.  America cannot and should not intervene every time there’s a crisis in the world, but our leadership is necessary to underwrite the global security and prosperity upon which our children and our grandchildren will depend.  And we must do whatever is necessary to protect the security of our Nation and the safety of our people. Sincerely, Barack Obama Jim Note: Second sentence in last paragraph I agree but as the world's sole superpower America must stand ready to defend against enemies including quasi State enemies like ISIL. This position, combined with effective focused diplomacy will, I believe, limit ISIL's global terror spread. .