John Kerry and Chuck Hagel Urge Coalition Against Islamic State

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Sep 05, 2014

John Kerry and Chuck Hagel Urge Coalition Against Islamic State

Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel have called on 10 nations to form a coalition to stop Islamic State (IS) terrorists from further destruction and persecution of religious minorities. The diplomatic leaders are planning to attack the terrorist organization by military force, as well as strain the group’s financial resources. 

Kerry met with leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Germany, Canada, Turkey, Italy, Poland and Denmark to press for a united front against IS. The Associated Press reports that Kerry informed the international leaders that he understood some nations would opt out of fighting, but urged all nations to provide intel, weapons, and equipment. 

Kerry said, "We have the technology, we have the know-how. What we need is obviously the willpower to make sure that we are steady and stay at this."

In a combined statement after the meeting, Kerry and Hagel said that the leaders did agree to work with a new Iraqi government, training and equipping the security forces as needed. The international leaders would also be keeping close watch IS’ illegal sales of oil, a major source of income for the terrorist group. 

Denmark foreign minister Lidegaard said in a statement, "It is not only about a military effort, it is also about stopping the financial contributions to ISIS, to coordinate intelligence, it is about stopping foreign fighters, young people from our own societies. It is decisive that we get more countries along."

Publication date: September 5, 2014



John Kerry and Chuck Hagel Urge Coalition Against Islamic State