Military options in Iraq

This note has now been superceded by Library Note Military and Humanitarian Assistance to Iraq, SN06960.

In June 2014 the UK Government said it is not planning a British military intervention in Iraq.

The Foreign Secretary ruled out a military intervention in comments made after news emerged of the takeover of Mosul by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).

The US President, Barack Obama, has ruled out sending US troops back into combat in Iraq. But he remains open to other military options that could help support the Iraqi security forces. He has tied military support to political reconciliation.

This note summarises commentary about the possible military options for the UK and US in Iraq.

This note accompanies House of Commons Library Standard Note: Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) and the takeover of Mosul, SN06915.