Obama asks US Congress to authorize fight against IS

(Vatican Radio) President Barack Obama asked Congress on Wednesday for formal authorization of military force against Islamic State militants. Obama said a large deployment of U.S. troops won't be necessary to fight the Islamic State, and he argued that the three-page proposal he sent to lawmakers would give him and his successor the needed flexibility to wage a battle likely to take “some time.”

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Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Obama said, “I’m convinced that the United States should not get dragged back into another prolonged ground war in the Middle East,” and, “I do not believe America's interests are served by endless war or by remaining on a perpetual war footing.”

At a White House press briefing after the submission of the draft resolution earlier in the day, Obama administration spokesman Josh Earnest said the text is one that seeks to create operational flexibility and send a clear message to IS militants.

Initial reaction to the request in Congress was mixed among both Republicans and Democrats.