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McConnell Urges Significant Shift In Iraq Strategy

Sen. Mitch McConnell laid out a preemptive critique of the administration’s foreign policy ahead of the president's scheduled remarks Wednesday.

Kentucky’s senior senator said the public wants action, not rhetoric.

Arguing Americans are “worried and anxious” about the threat of the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, McConnell called on President Obama to present a credible strategy that breaks from the administration’s current policies.

"After spending a month talking with folks in Kentucky, it's pretty clear to me at least that the American people fully appreciate the nature of the threat," he said on the Senate floor. "After the beheadings of two American citizens, they don't want an explanation of what's happening. They want a plan."

Laying much of the blame at the doorstep of the White House, McConnell suggested that an attitude of disengagement has helped fuel the rise of Islamic militants in Iraq and Syria.

The president is scheduled to address the nation Wednesday night to discuss his long-term plans to “degrade and ultimately destroy” ISIS, which will likely include continued reliance on air strikes combined with pressure from an international coalition of allies. Though the extent of planned operations in Iraq and Syria remains unclear, President Obama has said his strategy does not require congressional approval.

Hear the president's remarks live on WUKY and WUKY.org tonight at 9.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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