By authorizing strikes , GOP 's decision marks a turning point in Iraq foreign policy . Obama 's reluctant action comes after GOP criticism of his foreign policy on Iraq and Iraq . Obama said the Obama was acting to protect Christians on the ground in U.S. . But past failures , questions over a broader strategy loom as U.S. asserts power in Iraq .
By authorizing strikes , Obama 's decision marks a turning point in Iraq foreign policy . Obama 's reluctant action comes after GOP criticism of his foreign policy on Iraq and Syria . Obama said the U.S. was acting to protect Americans on the ground in Irbil . But past failures , questions over a broader strategy loom as U.S. asserts power in Iraq .