The attached article I find amazing. Years ago when we pulled out of Iraq US generals were warning that pulling out was a bad decision that would lead to chaos. Now Ash Carter is saying troops need to stay in Iraq. How many thousands or tens of thousands would still be alive had they listened? I cannot wait for this admin to be gone.
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US and allies must stay in Iraq after IS defeat, says Ashton Carter
The American-led coalition will need to "remain engaged militarily" to stop the militants returning, it is warned.
US defence secretary Ashton Carter has warned America and its allies will need to stay in Iraq - even after Islamic State is defeated.
Mr Carter said the militant group, also known as ISIL, was on the path to being routed but stressed the need to ensure it "stays defeated".
He did not say how much longer the US presence in Iraq would be necessary or the number of troops required.
But he argued the coalition would be needed to assist in training and supporting the local police, border guards and other forces working to keep the country free of the militants.
Evans after the extremists are beaten, Mr Carter said "there will still be much more to do after that to make sure that, once defeated, ISIL stays defeated".
He added: "We'll need to continue to counter foreign fighters trying to escape and ISIL's attempts to relocate or reinvent itself.
"To do so, not only the United States but our coalition must endure and remain engaged militarily."
Speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum, he also said US President Barack Obama has directed the Joint Special Operations Command to concentrate on destroying IS's ability to launch attacks in the West.
In August, Sky News reported that there were already some 3,800 US soldiers in Iraq, with special forces from the US, UK and France also operating there.
There are also several hundred British military personnel in Iraq working as trainers, engineers and protecting key points such as the Al Asad airbase in the west of the country.
About 120,000 members of the British armed forces and civilians served in Iraq following the US-led invasion in 2003.
UK combat operations officially ended in April 2009, after 179 British troops had been killed.
Meanwhile, Mr Carter, during his final weeks in office, is also focusing on a smooth transition to his successor.
President-elect Donald Trump has already said he will nominate retired Marine General James "Mad Dog" Mattis as defence secretary.
Mr Carter congratulated Mr Mattis, who has previously overseen wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He described the general as "a friend", adding: "I hold him in the highest regard."
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US and allies must stay in Iraq after IS defeat, says Ashton Carter
The American-led coalition will need to "remain engaged militarily" to stop the militants returning, it is warned.
US defence secretary Ashton Carter has warned America and its allies will need to stay in Iraq - even after Islamic State is defeated.
Mr Carter said the militant group, also known as ISIL, was on the path to being routed but stressed the need to ensure it "stays defeated".
He did not say how much longer the US presence in Iraq would be necessary or the number of troops required.
But he argued the coalition would be needed to assist in training and supporting the local police, border guards and other forces working to keep the country free of the militants.
Evans after the extremists are beaten, Mr Carter said "there will still be much more to do after that to make sure that, once defeated, ISIL stays defeated".
He added: "We'll need to continue to counter foreign fighters trying to escape and ISIL's attempts to relocate or reinvent itself.
"To do so, not only the United States but our coalition must endure and remain engaged militarily."
Speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum, he also said US President Barack Obama has directed the Joint Special Operations Command to concentrate on destroying IS's ability to launch attacks in the West.
In August, Sky News reported that there were already some 3,800 US soldiers in Iraq, with special forces from the US, UK and France also operating there.
There are also several hundred British military personnel in Iraq working as trainers, engineers and protecting key points such as the Al Asad airbase in the west of the country.
About 120,000 members of the British armed forces and civilians served in Iraq following the US-led invasion in 2003.
UK combat operations officially ended in April 2009, after 179 British troops had been killed.
Meanwhile, Mr Carter, during his final weeks in office, is also focusing on a smooth transition to his successor.
President-elect Donald Trump has already said he will nominate retired Marine General James "Mad Dog" Mattis as defence secretary.
Mr Carter congratulated Mr Mattis, who has previously overseen wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He described the general as "a friend", adding: "I hold him in the highest regard."
