Obama outlining mission to fight Islamic militants

In this Aug. 7, 2014 file photo, President Barack Obama speaks in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. The president will make a televised address Wednesday night to outline plans for an expanded U.S. effort to confront violent Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. AP/Charles Dharapak, File

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will outline to Americans Wednesday an expanded military and political effort to combat militants in Syria and Iraq, and urge Congress to quickly give him authority to arm Syrian opposition forces.

But administration officials say Obama will press forward with other elements of his plan without authorization from lawmakers. That could include airstrikes in Iraq and possibly in Syria. Other elements of Obama’s plan include increased support for Iraqi security forces, as well as military and diplomatic commitments from partners in Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere.

After an hour-long discussion with congressional leaders Tuesday, the White House said Obama told lawmakers that he has the authority he needs to take action against the Islamic State militants.

Obama will announce his strategy in a prime-time address.

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