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President announces more military in Iraq
Tension rising in Middle East
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Edging back into a military role in Iraq, President Barack Obama on Thursday said he was dispatching up to 300 military advisers to help quell the rising insurgency in the crumbling nation. He called on Iraqi leaders to govern with a more “inclusive agenda” to ensure the country does not descend into civil war.Though not specifically mentioning airstrikes, an option the U.S. has been considering, Obama said he was leaving open the possibility of “targeted and precise military action” in the future. He said the U.S. also would increase its intelligence efforts in Iraq and create joint operations centers in Baghdad and northern Iraq.When coupled with previously announced steps, Obama’s actions could put about 600 additional U.S. troops back on the ground in Iraq.