RAMPING UP

Defense Secretary in Iraq for ISIS Talks

To meet with top officials about retaking Mosul.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter traveled to Baghdad on Monday to meet with Iraqi leaders on retaking the city of Mosul from ISIS militants. Carter is expected to meet with Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland, the top U.S. military commander in the fight against ISIS, as well Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Defense Minister Khalid al-Obeidi. A senior U.S. official told the AP assisting Iraq would likely involve a “small number” of additional American forces in the warzone. Any finalized decision on putting more U.S. forces in Iraq would be worked out with the Iraqi government and require President Barack Obama’s approval. Obama is scheduled to arrive in Saudi Arabia later this week to meet with Gulf leaders about the fight against ISIS.