http://www.todayonline.com/world/obama-us-reviewing-its-options-help-iraq-fight-insurgency?singlepage=true
However, he has ruled out sending U.S. troops back into combat. Any intervention would be contingent on Iraqi leaders becoming more involved.
Obama was concerned that the Levant, or ISIL, could try to overrun Shi'ite sacred sites, creating sectarian conflicts "that could be very hard to stamp out." The rebels are Sunni Muslims and the Baghdad government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is dominated by Shi'ites.
ISIL, a group Obama described as "vicious" and a "terrorist organization" could eventually pose a threat to Americans.
"This is a regional problem, and it is going to be a long-term problem. And what we're going to have to do is combine selective actions by our military to make sure that we're going after terrorists who could harm our personnel overseas or eventually hit the homeland," Obama said.
The Pentagon is preparing a range of options for Obama, including air strikes.
"We were surprised and disappointed by the poor performance of some Iraqi security force units (that are) up in the north. I'd be less than honest if I said that that performance instilled a lot of confidence. It didn't," said Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby.
Obama said he would consult with the U.S. Congress in coming days. His fellow Democrats are reluctant to allow any U.S. engagement in Iraq after the lengthy war, which began with the 2003 U.S.-led invasion to topple President Saddam Hussein.
"It is important to remember that military force alone cannot bring peace," said Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee.
A spokesman for Lockheed Martin, which makes Hellfire missiles being sold to Iraq, said it would work with the U.S. government to accelerate deliveries, if asked.
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