Turkey Backs Out Of US-Led War On ISIS: Germany Says No To Air Campaign

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38. Arab States Sign On to Fight ISIS; European Allies Not So Sure

Ten Arab states have pledged to join the U.S. in its campaign to "degrade and ultimately destroy" the Islamic State in Iraq in Syria, while some American allies in Europe are less eager to sign up to fight.

The agreement came out of talks between Secretary of State John Kerry and regional leaders in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In addition to Saudi Arabia, the coalition includes Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Notably missing from this list is Turkey. Although the Obama administration has called the country "absolutely indispensable" in the campaign against ISIS, Turkey has so far been reluctant to join the fight outright. Turkish leaders are wary of the fate of Turkish diplomats and nationals being held hostage by the group, and concerned with the international effort to arm Kurdish fighters, some of whom have been agitating for independence from Turkey for decades. Turkey was present at the meeting of regional leaders in Jeddah.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Britain and Germany, two of the U.S.'s staunchest allies in Europe, announced on Thursday that the countries will not participate in the U.S. campaign in Syria. "Let me be clear: Britain will not be taking part in any air strikes in Syria," said U.K. Foreign Minister Philip Hammond. "We have already had that discussion in our parliament last year and we won't be revisiting that position."

http://www.nationaljournal.com/defense/arab-states-sign-on-to-fight-isis-european-allies-not-so-sure-20140911