Obama Doubles US Troops in Iraq

Overview of the 2014 Troop Increase

Deployment of Additional Troops Under Obama

In 2014, President Barack Obama made a pivotal decision to increase the number of U.S. troops in Iraq by authorizing the deployment of 1,500 additional troops. This strategic move was aimed at supporting Iraqi and Kurdish forces in their fight against the Islamic State militants who were rapidly seizing territory and power in the region.

Purpose of the Deployment

The primary intention behind the troop increase was to train and advise the Iraqi military and Kurdish Peshmerga forces. With the rise of ISIS, there was a pressing need for enhanced military cooperation and capability-building to ensure the stability of Iraq and prevent the spread of extremism.

The Context of the 2014 Military Action

Rise of the Islamic State

By 2014, the Islamic State had rapidly captured significant territory in Iraq and Syria, declaring a so-called caliphate. Their brutal campaign instigated a humanitarian crisis, compelling international intervention. The U.S. response included airstrikes and troop deployments to bolster local forces.

International Reactions and Support

The authorization of additional troops drew mixed reactions, with some supporting the necessity to combat terrorism, while others questioned the spiral back into military intervention in the Middle East. The deployment was seen as part of a broader international coalition effort to gather support against the Islamic State.

Fun Fact

Obama’s Approach to Iraq

President Obama's decision to deploy more troops was a significant shift from his earlier commitment to end U.S. involvement in Iraq. It highlighted the complex nature of international relations and military strategy in the fight against terrorism.