Kerry in Iraq: “US Support Intense and Sustained”

US Secretary of State John Kerry wrapped-up his visit to Baghdad on Monday with a promise of “intense and sustained [American] support” for the security forces of Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki’s government. The White House has said it’s sending some 300 military advisers to help the Iraqi army coordinate the fight against Islamic forces that are sweeping through the country, but the “intense and sustained” support from Washington will not include tactical assistance such as the air strikes that the Iraqi army has requested.  Referring to the sectarian rift that pits Sunni against Shiite Muslims, Kerry said that if “Iraq’s leaders take the necessary steps to bring the country together,” the American support “will be effective.” On Monday, the New York Times and CBS released a new poll showing a significant drop in support for President Obama’s foreign policy and in particular his policy toward Iraq. One area where he does receive public support is for providing drone strikes, which is apparently not on the docket for the moment.