Gen. Martin Dempsey, head of the Joint Chiefs, said the US troops in Iraq are working in a “combat advisory role” now but that if circumstances evolved he might recommend that they “provide close combat advising” or accompany particular missions. Lawmakers are considering measures for providing arms and training to Syrian rebels. Senior US officials warned that the US will retaliate if Syrian forces attack US aircraft launching strikes in Syria. Secretary of State Kerry said that although the US will not cooperate militarily with Iran in fighting the Islamic State, the US is willing to talk to Iran about the fight against the terrorist organization. NATO ally Turkey has refused US requests to join the coalition against the Islamic State. President Obama is sending 3,000 US troops to Africa to help combat the alarming spread of the Ebola virus.
