But more voters favor U.S. airstrikes than oppose them

Nearly three out of four Americans oppose the United States sending combat troops to Iraq to fight the al-Qaida-inspired insurgency, a new poll commissioned by a liberal group finds.

According to results of the automated survey released Tuesday by Public Policy Polling, 74 percent of American voters oppose sending U.S. troops in response to the crisis in Iraq, while just 16 percent support such a move.

Those figures are roughly the same as they were in 2011, when a Gallup poll conducted after President Barack Obama announced the U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq found that 75 percent supported the decision to leave, while 21 percent opposed it.

According to the new poll, conducted June 14-15 for Americans United for Change, Democrats (82 percent) and independents (86 percent) overwhelmingly oppose sending U.S. troops to Iraq. Just 10 percent of Democrats say they would support sending troops to the region; among independents, that figure is 9 percent.

Among Republicans, 28 percent say they would support sending troops to Iraq, while 57 percent oppose the idea.

The release of the poll "is a sign lefty groups are gearing up to oppose any re-engagement," the Washington Post's Greg Sargent writes, "which means winning the argument with Republicans such as John McCain over not just what to do now, but over the broader meaning and legacy of the Iraq War."

On Friday, President Obama announced that he would not send combat troops into Iraq. But on Monday, Obama notified Congress that up to 275 troops could be sent to Iraq to provide security for U.S. personnel in Baghdad. The Associated Press reported that the United States is "considering sending an additional contingent of special forces" to the region "even as the White House insists anew that America will not be dragged into another war."

And in an interview with Yahoo News' Katie Couric, Secretary of State John Kerry said Obama was giving "a very thorough vetting of every option that is available," including airstrikes, and underlined that "we are deeply committed to the integrity of Iraq as a country."

PPP did not ask voters whether they would support U.S. airstrikes in Iraq. But according to a national telephone survey conducted by Rasmussen Reports on June 12-13, 46 percent of likely U.S. voters favor military airstrikes, while 32 percent oppose such action. Twenty-two percent said they are not sure.

In January, a poll conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Pressfound that a majority of Americans (52 percent) believe the United States "has mostly failed to achieve its goals" in Iraq, while 37 percent said it has "mostly succeeded."

Related video

Americans don't want troop use in Iraq: Poll

The numbers found by a liberal group strongly mirror those of a Gallup poll before the U.S. withdrawal in 2011.
The support for airstrikes

Baghdad (AFP) - A week-long militant offensive that has overrun swathes of Iraq is "life-threatening" for the country and a danger to the whole region, the UN envoy to Baghdad told AFP.

Nickolay Mladenov's remarks came as militants made gains north of the capital and fighting reached the confessionally-mixed city of Baquba, just 60 kilometres (35 miles) from Baghdad, with security forces struggling to halt the assault.

The crisis has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and sparked fears the violence could affect the country's critical oil production, with militants having declared they will push on towards Baghdad and the southern Shiite holy city of Karbala.

"Right now, it's life-threatening for Iraq but it poses a serious danger to the region," Mladenov said in an interview on Monday.

"Therefore, there needs to be a realisation in the region. The Iraq crisis must be solved by the Iraqis but they cannot do that without the international community and the constructive cooperation of the region."

"Otherwise, it risks becoming a regional crisis."

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Tribal fighters shout slogans as they carry weapons during a parade in the streets of Najaf, south o …

He added that "Iraq faces the biggest threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity" in years.

Mladenov, the special representative of the UN secretary general, told AFP the "national crisis" had strained relations between the country's three main communities -- Shiite Arabs, Sunni Arabs and Kurds.

"The political dynamics of the country have changed," he said, speaking in his office.

- Political action needed -

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An image made available by the jihadist Twitter account Al-Baraka news on June 13, 2014 allegedly sh …

Militants, led by jihadists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), have taken control of all of one province and parts of three others north of Baghdad in a swift offensive.

Soldiers and police retreated en masse as the insurgents, among them fighters loyal to ISIL and other groups such as supporters of executed dictator Saddam Hussein, swept into Iraq's second city of Mosul a week ago, leaving vehicles and even uniforms in their wake.

Their retreat, despite their numerical advantage, is the result of what experts say are myriad problems, ranging from lacklustre training and low morale, to corruption and an atmosphere of simmering sectarianism.

Violence in Iraq has worsened considerably over the past year, even before the recent offensive, partially attributed by diplomats and analysts to anger in the Sunni Arab community over perceived mistreatment at the hands of the Shiite-led government.

That anger, they say, makes Sunnis less likely to cooperate with the security forces and provide intelligence, helping foster an environment of instability.

Mladenov noted, however, that along with tackling the insurgents on the battlefield, Iraq would have to propose a "strong political package... to be able to address the concerns of people."

He said any long-term solutions would need to be addressed "only through an inclusive democratic process", and warned many Iraqi leaders were "playing politics".

"They need to come together, rather than play the 'blame game'," he said.

The crisis has seen the US weigh the possibility of drone strikes and hold brief talks with long-time foe Iran, Iraq's eastern neighbour, while several countries have responded by evacuating their nationals and downsizing their embassies.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The prospect of the U.S. military returning to the fight in Iraq has turned congressional hawks into doves.

Lawmakers who eagerly voted to authorize military force 12 years ago to oust Saddam Hussein and destroy weapons of mass destruction that were never found now harbor doubts that air strikes will turn back insurgents threatening Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government and Baghdad.

Fears of Mideast quagmire and weariness after a decade of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan loom large for even those who talk tough on national security. More than 6,000 Americans died in those wars, which cost a trillion dollars.

As President Barack Obama mulls his next step, there is little unanimity in Congress on what the United States should do despite some Republican voices — most notably Sen. John McCain — loudly calling for air strikes and stepped-up military action. The sectarian violence between the pro-government Shiites and Sunnis adds to congressional uncertainty.

Obama will discuss the situation in Iraq with House and Senate leaders of both parties at the White House Wednesday. State Department and Pentagon officials will hold closed-doors briefings with lawmakers over the next couple of days.

"Where will it lead and will that be the beginning or the end?" Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., said, when asked about air strikes. "We don't know that. This underlying conflict has been going on 1,500 years between the Shias and the Sunnis and their allies. And I think whatever we do, it's not going to go away."

Shelby was one of the 77 Senate Republicans and Democrats who voted to give President George W. Bush the authority to wage war. Casting the strong bipartisan vote on Oct. 11, 2002 were Democratic Sens. Joe Biden of Delaware, Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Harry Reid of Nevada.

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FILE - This June. 12, 2014 file photo shows Iraqi men lining up outside of the main army recruiting …

"After a decade of war, we've all had enough," said Reid, the Senate majority leader.

"It was one of the worst votes I ever cast," added Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, another who voted yes. Asked about what the vote means more than a decade later as the U.S. ponders intervention anew, Harkin said: "It is weighing heavily on my mind."

But Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., who also voted for use of force in 2002, said that vote would have no effect on her thinking this time. She declined to say if she supported military action. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, another Democrat who authorized military action in Iraq the last time, also wouldn't give his opinion.

Senators from both parties appeared almost unanimous in their view that al-Maliki should leave power, even as many called for assistance to his government in battling the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant insurgency.

ISIL has conquered several cities in Syria and Iraq. The administration is sending almost 300 American forces in and around Iraq to help secure U.S. assets.

"I support almost anything that would curtail" ISIL, said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. "That's a very dangerous situation."

McCain, who spoke by telephone over the weekend with White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough, said not many forces would be needed for an effective operation in Iraq and they'd only be for close air support. He said no combat troops are needed, but some personnel should be on the ground to identify targets for air strikes.

"That would be a handful of probably special forces, forward air controller people," he said, expressing frustration that the administration hasn't done more.

Among the newer senators, Mark Kirk, R-Ill., expressed support for air strikes, but Tim Scott, R-S.C., had his doubts.

"The president's comments about he doesn't know who to strike doesn't give me 'a warm and fuzzy,'" Scott said. "The option should remain on the table, but clarity should come first so that I can have an understanding and appreciation. If they don't have an understanding and appreciation, I certainly don't have one."

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who voted for the war authorization in 2002, wanted to learn more about the administration's plan.

"The question is whether air strikes can be targeted enough that they don't kill innocent people," she said.

The Senate's top Republican, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, said Obama must offer a strategy and act quickly to provide the Iraqi government with assistance before "every gain made by the U.S. and allied troops is lost." He didn't outline a specific course of action.

New Iraq fight prospect turns hawks into doves

U.S. lawmakers who voted to authorize military force 12 years ago now have doubts about involvement.
'We've all had enough'

Residents of Nebraska town return after deadly tornado

By Michael Avok14 hours ago

By Michael Avok

PILGER Neb. (Reuters) - Residents who were forced to leave a small town in Nebraska leveled by a tornado that killed a child and injured more than two dozen people began returning on Tuesday to salvage belongings from their battered homes and businesses.

The town of Pilger, just several blocks wide and home to about 350 people, took a direct hit on Monday afternoon as large tornadoes swept across a farming area in northeast Nebraska, devastating up to 75 percent of its buildings, officials said.

"Pilger is gone," said Sanford Goshorn, director of emergency management for Stanton County. "The tornado cut right through the center of town."

Preliminary estimates from surveys on Tuesday found several EF-4 damage points in Pilger, the weather service in Omaha said. EF-4, the second most severe rating for a tornado, indicates cyclonic winds of up to 200 mph (320 kph).

A 5-year-old girl died in a mobile home and a second person died in a traffic crash east of town, Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger told reporters. More than two dozen people were treated for storm injuries at hospitals, officials said. Pilger, about 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Omaha, was the hardest-hit town in a three-county area. Among the damaged or destroyed buildings were the town hall, fire department, post office, library and school, Unger said.

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Rescue personnel tend to a young tornado victim in Pilger, Neb., Monday, June 16, 2014. A hospital s …

Brian Reeg, who lives in nearby Winside, stood bewildered, looking at a pile of rubble that had been St. John's Lutheran Church in Pilger.

"This is where I was baptized, where I was married and went to church my whole life," Reeg said.

Mark Aken, 58, who moved to Pilger three weeks ago, said he did not even have time to unpack at the home he rented near the flattened church.

"There's a tree right through my front door," said Aken, who said he was staying with family in the area for now. "My van is upside down."

Unger said 40 to 50 homes were destroyed or damaged beyond repair when the tornado cut northeast through Pilger. Residents had about 10 minutes to take shelter after warnings sounded, officials said.

STORM THREAT MOVES EAST

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, reported at least one and possibly two cases in which a pair of large twisters touched down simultaneously, a rare phenomenon according to meteorologists.

A threat of severe thunderstorms on Tuesday stretched from eastern Montana as far east and north as New York and Vermont, storm prediction center forecaster Bill Bunting said.

Monday's storms spawned preliminary reports of about two dozen tornadoes and wind and hail damage across parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.

Storms damaged two dozen houses in Madison, Wisconsin, and 15 to 30 houses in nearby Verona, along with an elementary school, Dane County Emergency Management said.

High winds damaged about a dozen homes in Platteville in southwest Wisconsin and several buildings on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus, including its stadium. One person was seriously injured and several other people suffered minor injuries, a city spokeswoman said.

(Additional reporting by Katie Schubert in Omaha, Nebraska, Mary Wisniewski and Nick Carey in Chicago; Writing by David Bailey; Editing by Eric Beech, Grant McCool and Peter Cooney)

Kiev (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko held talks on Tuesday over a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, as two members of a Russian television crew were killed in the ex-Soviet state's separatist east.

Poroshenko assured Putin that an investigation would be launched into the deaths, and vowed to take necessary measures to protect reporters covering the conflict, the Kremlin said in a statement following the talks.

"The issue of a possible ceasefire in the area of a military operation in Ukraine's southeast has been touched upon," the Kremlin said.

Moscow had earlier responded furiously to the death of the TV crew members, accusing Kiev of a campaign of "terror" and demanding an investigation.

The explosive nature of the two sides' relations was also in full view Tuesday when a vital pipeline used to transport Siberian gas to Europe exploded in a spectacular fireball that sent up a 30-metre (100-foot) flame.

The blast appeared to have been caused by the loss of pressure in a seal in a part of the link running through a northeastern part of Ukraine, but Kiev blamed it on Russian "sabotage".

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This handout picture taken and released by the Ukrainian Emergency Service on June 17, 2014 shows a …

Igor Kornelyuk, a reporter with Russia's VGTRK media group, sustained severe stomach wounds when he was hit by shrapnel after being caught in an attack by Ukrainian forces in the Russian border region.

"He was unconscious when he arrived and died on his way to the operating room," Fedir Solyanyk, chief doctor at the main hospital in the rebel stronghold city of Lugansk, told AFP by telephone.

VGTRK sound technician Anton Voloshin, who was earlier thought missing, was later confirmed to have died in the same attack.

Voloshin's body was found by Ukrainian rebels at the site of the attack and identified by his colleague, a cameraman who was filming the attack but escaped uninjured, Russian television said.

Russia's Investigative Committee said it had opened an investigation into the deaths, while the Russian foreign ministry demanded that Ukraine follow suit.

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Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko arrives for a National Security and Defence Council sitting in …

"We demand that Ukraine's authorities conduct an objective investigation of this tragedy and strictly punish the guilty," the ministry said in a statement, accusing the Kiev authorities of "unleashing veritable terror against journalists from Russia".

The two TV crew were the first Russian media workers confirmed to have died in eastern Ukraine since fighting there broke out in mid-April.

Italian photographer Andrea Rocchelli and his Russian assistant Andrei Mironov were killed outside Slavyansk in the neighbouring Donetsk region in late May.

Reporters Without Borders said the violence affecting journalists in Ukraine had reached "unprecedented levels" and called for a "full and impartial investigation" into the deaths.

The 10-week pro-Russian uprising has threatened the survival of the economically teetering ex-Soviet nation and put East-West relations under pressure not seen since the Cold War.

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Protesters during rally against Russian President Vladimir Putin in front of the Russian embassy in …

- Russian gas cut -

The Kremlin, which denies fomenting the unrest, on Monday cut off the supply of gas in a move Kiev called "another stage of Russia's aggression against the Ukrainian state".

Russia imposed the cut after Ukraine balked at making a $1.9 billion (1.4 billion euro) debt payment in protest at Moscow's decision to nearly double Kiev's rates in the wake of the February ouster of a Kremlin-backed president.

Weeks of acrimonious debt and price negotiations broke up on Monday with Russia walking away from a compromise solution proposed in Kiev by the European Union's energy commissioner.

Ukraine receives half its gas from Russia and transports 15 percent of the fuel consumed in Europe -- a dependence that has not diminished despite similar supply disruptions in 2006 and 2009.

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Map of Europe showing pipelines carrying Russian gas through Ukraine, and pipelines than circumvent …

A gas shortage is not expected to be felt in either Ukraine or Europe for several months.

Ukraine has bolstered its underground storage volumes and analysts believe that Europe's own reserves are nearly full.

Yet Kiev is seeking to devise a longer-term solution that would eliminate a need to maintain an alliance with Russia to secure gas prices it can afford.

Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said Tuesday that a team headed by Naftogaz state energy firm chief Andriy Kobolev and Energy Minister Yuriy Prodan was flying to Budapest to negotiate "reverse-flow" deliveries along pipelines now used for transporting Russian gas westward.

European utilities have for the most part refused to compromise their relations with Russia's energy giant Gazprom by selling its own gas back to Ukraine at a price lower than that imposed on Kiev by Moscow.

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An employee at a gas metering station near the Chaslivci village on May 21, 2014 (AFP Photo/Alexande …

European companies "do not have the right to do that," Gazprom chief executive Alexei Miller said.

But EU Energy Commission spokeswoman Sabine Berger said such "reverse-flow" deliveries were "legally perfectly sound".

- Russian 'sabotage' -

The gas cut has further exacerbated tensions with Kiev after Moscow's March seizure of Crimea and move to mass troops on its border with Ukraine.

On Tuesday, acting Interior Minister Arsen Avakov -- an outspoken official who has made a recent series of unsubstantiated claims -- called the explosion at the Trans-Siberian Pipeline Russian "sabotage".

"We are considering several versions of events, including the main one -- an act of terrorism," Avakov said in a statement.

"The pipeline's sabotage... is an another attempt by Russia to discredit Ukraine as a partner in the gas sector."