U.S. President Barack Obama will likely ask for contributions to rebuild damaged areas of war-torn Iraq when he speaks with Gulf allies in Riyadh next week, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told reporters Monday.
Speaking aboard the USS Blue Ridge during a visit to India, Carter said repairing the destruction that has occurred in Iraq is necessary to making the eventual "defeat" of Islamic State “stick.”
“That’s a global effort in which many countries can make a contribution,” Carter told reporters.
Carter said the low price of oil has also made things more difficult for the Iraqi government.
He added the U.S. will continue to provide support to Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, as the success of the campaign against IS depends upon political progress as well.
Secretary Carter will meet with defense leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council next week in Riyadh, where they will discuss how to advance the fight against the Islamic State.
“We’re going to accelerate the military campaign as fast as we can,” Carter said.
