Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair commended President Obama for his strategy to defeat ISIS, but noted that over time, there may be a need for combat troops on the ground in Iraq.
While appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union” today, the former UK prime minister said Obama is “absolutely right” with his four-pronged plan to defeat ISIS, the brutal terrorist group also known as the Islamic State and ISIL.
Blair served as prime minister of the United Kingdom during both President Bill Clinton and George W. Bush’s administration.
Since delivering an address to the nation on Sept. 10, Obama, along with Secretary of State John Kerry, have assembled a coalition of 50 countries to aid in “degrading and destroying” ISIS. The president has adamantly said he would not put U.S. combat troops on the ground in Iraq.
Blair, however, said over time there may be a need for boots on the ground, whether it’s the troops of regional allies or the United States and United Kingdom.
“I think there will end up being a need over time to hit [ISIS] in an aerial campaign as well as on the ground,” Blair said.
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