An Update on the Iraq Crisis

Here's what's going on at the White House today.         DAILY SNAPSHOT Monday, August 11, 2014             Featured An Update on the Iraq Crisis President Obama gave an update Saturday morning about the situation in Iraq, detailing the progress of current American operations in the country: First, American forces have conducted targeted airstrikes against terrorist forces outside the city of Erbil to prevent them from advancing on the city and to protect our American diplomats and military personnel. So far, these strikes have successfully destroyed arms and equipment that ISIL terrorists could have used against Erbil. Meanwhile, Kurdish forces on the ground continue to defend the city, and the United States and the Iraqi government have stepped up our military assistance to Kurdish forces as they wage their fight. Second, our humanitarian effort continues to help the men, women and children stranded on Mount Sinjar. American forces have so far conducted two successful airdrops -- delivering thousands of meals and gallons of water to these desperate men, women and children. And American aircraft are positioned to strike ISIL terrorists around the mountain to help forces in Iraq break the siege and rescue those who are trapped there. "Ultimately, only Iraqis can ensure the security and stability of Iraq," the President said. "The United States can't do it for them, but we can and will be partners in that effort." Watch President Obama's full statement here:       Top Stories Airstrikes in Iraq: What You Need to Know The President takes no decision more seriously than the use of military force. So it's worth taking a few minutes to make sure you understand exactly what is happening in Iraq right now, who is involved, and why we are taking action. READ MORE Summer Mailbag: Ask the White House Your Questions It's that time of year again! We're bringing back the Summer Mailbag edition of West Wing Week. If you've got a question about President Obama's policies, what it's like to work at the White House, or really anything you've been meaning to ask about his day-to-day life or his Administration, we want to hear from you. READ MORE Delivering a Customer-Focused Government Through Smarter IT Today, the Administration is formally launching the U.S. Digital Service -- a small team made up of our country's brightest digital talent that will work with agencies to remove barriers to exceptional service delivery and help remake the digital experience that people and businesses have with their government. READ MORE       Today's Schedule All times are Eastern Time (ET) 5:55 PM: The President delivers remarks and answers questions at a DSCC event   Facebook     Twitter    |   More Ways to Engage Did Someone Forward This to You? Sign Up for Email Updates This email was sent to e0nstar1.blog@gmail.com Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy Please do not reply to this email. Contact the White House The White House • 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW • Washington, DC 20500 • 202-456-1111