Ashton Carter actually said...

I do not believe that expanding the use of Iraqi Kurdistan as a base of operations is necessary at this time to defeat the Islamic State and...

Allowing sequestration to return would deprive U.S. forces of what they need to accomplish their missions around the world.

I have consistently emphasized to them that they have a unique role, here, and also, insofar as they're concerned about Iran.

France, the UK, and Germany's decision to expand their counter-ISIL operations will significantly enhance the Coalition's efforts.