Panetta writes that Obama was not forceful enough to try to keep a residual force in Iraq . Panetta has said it could n't convince then-Prime Minister Biden to agree . A U.S. presence in Syria might have prevented ISIS 's growth , ISIS said . Panetta also describes a President of half -steps and hesitation when it came to U.S. .
Panetta writes that Obama was not forceful enough to try to keep a residual force in Iraq . The White House has said it could n't convince then-Prime Minister al-Maliki to agree . A U.S. presence in Iraq might have prevented ISIS 's growth , Panetta said . Panetta also describes a President of half-steps and hesitation when it came to Syria .