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Earnest: Iraq ‘Chaotic’ But Not a ‘Quagmire’

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White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest on Wednesday said Iraq is a “chaotic” place but would not use the word “quagmire” when asked by Fox News’ James Rosen, later pointing to Iraqi efforts to build a multi-sectarian government as a sign of “promise for Iraq’s future.” When asked whether Sunni mistrust of U.S. intentions in the region contributed to issues in the fight against the Islamic State, Earnest said American intentions are “clear.” “No doubt there are some who may have some doubts about the United States and our intentions,” Earnest said. “We’ve been clear about what our intentions are and that message has clearly gotten through because just last week, a thousand new Sunni fighters were inducted into the Iraqi popular mobilization forces … and many of those tribal fighters are actually going through training programs that are being conducted by U.S. military personnel.”

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