– US sending new special ops force to Iraq to fight ISIS; Abadi says foreign troops not needed
– Kerry says NATO members ready to step up anti-ISIS fight
– Cameron urges UK parliament to back bombing of ISIS in Syria
– Russia says it has proof of Turkey’s involvement in ISIS oil trade
– Germany says every EU state should pay into Refugee Fund

US sending new special ops force to Iraq to fight ISIS; Abadi says foreign troops not needed
For the first time in the fight against Islamic State (ISIS) militants, the United States is putting US combat troops on the ground in a more permanent role in Iraq and Syria. Defense Secretary Ash Carter told Congress on Tuesday that the US military will deploy a new special operations force to Iraq to step up the fight against ISIS. Hours later, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi defended his country’s security forces, saying they are capable of defeating ISIS without the help of foreign combat troops. “Iraqi special operations and anti-terrorism forces are playing an important role in the fight against Daesh (ISIS) terrorist gangs and proved their capability in targeting Daesh leaders and carrying out dangerous missions to retake vital areas,” Abadi said. He added that his country needs training, weapons, and advice from the international community and not “foreign ground combat forces fighting on Iraqi soil.” [AP, 12/2/2015]

Kerry says NATO members ready to step up anti-ISIS fight
US Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday that NATO members stood ready to step up military efforts against ISIS and held out hope of broadening cooperation between the West and Russia to end Syria’s protracted civil war. After two days of meetings at NATO’s headquarters in Brussels, Kerry said several alliance members were bringing more to the battle or would do so soon. He did not outline any fresh commitments specifically, saying plans would be announced only after foreign ministers first consult their governments at home. Kerry did welcome Russian involvement, saying, “As long as they’re focused on Daesh [ISIS] and as long they are genuine in wanting to be part of implementing the Geneva [accords], they can be an extremely constructive and important player in reaching a solution [AP, 12/1/2015]

Cameron urges UK parliament to back bombing of ISIS in Syria
Prime Minister David Cameron urged lawmakers on Wednesday to approve air strikes against ISIS in Syria, saying Britain could make a “real difference” to the US-led campaign to destroy the militants. Cameron’s argument that Britain should launch more military action in the Middle East was all but drowned out by lawmakers demanding he apologize for suggesting that those opposing air strikes were “a bunch of terrorist sympathizers.” Cameron avoided making an apology, saying he respected those who disagree, but anger over the slur could stiffen opposition in Britain’s Labor Party. Labor leader Jeremy Corby criticized the Cameron for rushing to war. [Reuters, 12/2/2015]

Russia says it has proof of Turkey’s involvement in ISIS oil trade
Russia’s Defense Ministry said on Wednesday it had proof that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and his family were benefiting from the illegal smuggling of oil from ISIS-held territory in Syria and Iraq. “Turkey is the main consumer of the oil stolen from its rightful owners, Syria and Iraq. According to information we’ve received, the senior political leadership of the country–President Erdogan and his family–are involved in this criminal business,” said Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov. “In the West, no one has asked questions about the fact that the Turkish president’s son heads one of the biggest energy companies, or that his son has been appointed Energy Minister. What a marvellous family business,” Antonov said. The ministry also alleged that the same criminal networks smuggling oil from ISIS-held areas into Turkey were also supplying weapons, equipment, and training to the militant group. [Reuters, 12/2/2015]

Germany says every EU state should pay into Refugee Fund
Germany wants every EU state to contribute to a $3.2 billion aid program for Syrian refugees in Turkey, saying it is a question of European solidarity. The total sum was pledged to Turkey following a summit on Sunday, but details on the bill for individual EU states have yet to emerge. German Finance Ministry State Secretary Jens Spahn said the question would be broached at an EU finance ministers’ meeting next week. Turkey says it has taken in a total of 2.2 million refugees from Syria’s four-year civil war and still maintains an open door policy while warning that its capacity to take more refugees is limited. The EU initiative is not completely altruistic, as the bloc expects Turkey’s help in discouraging the flow of refugees westward. [AFP, 12/2/015]