Watch CBS News

Davis To Obama: 'Do Everything In Your Power' To Avoid Another Iraq War

Podcast

CHICAGO (CBS) -- One of President Obama's staunchest allies in Congress is expressing concerns about the Administration's plans to send some military personnel to protect the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) wasn't breaking ranks with the president, but with the Obama administration planning to send troops to Iraq, he said he would urge the president to do everything in his power not to get the U.S. involved in another war.

"I realize that there are situations that are very difficult, and there are situations where you've got to do something to protect those you've sworn to protect – and you have to do that. All I'm really saying is I'm not totally sure what all of that might become," he said.

Obama has notified Congress that up to 275 military personnel are being deployed to Iraq to provide support and security to Americans and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

The president has ruled out putting U.S. troops into combat, but is considering sending Special Forces troops to Iraq for training and other purposes in an attempt to help shore up security against the rampant Sunni insurgency.

"The thing that I would say is Mr. President, do everything in your power, everything you can think of, everything you can rationalize not to get us involved in another war," Davis said.

The congressman said he and his constituents don't want to see the U.S. get engaged in another conflict.

The al-Qaida-inspired Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has overrun several cities in northern Iraq, and pledged to attack Baghdad.

The White House has said it is also considering air strikes to thwart any ISIS attack on the Iraqi capital.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.