President Says Airstrikes Are Pushing Back Militants In Iraq

President Obama claims U.S. airstrikes are pushing back Islamic militant forces in Iraq. In a White House news conference, the President again pushed Iraq's new leadership to create a more "unified and inclusive" government. He also warned that rooting out ISIS militants will not be quick or easy. The President is considering whether to expand U.S. airstrikes in neighboring Syria.

Obama said he will continue consulting lawmakers but has not decided whether to seek formal congressional authorization for expanded airstrikes. The President noted that ISIS currently has a safe haven in Syria. He argued that a more regional approach to combating ISIS will be required and again called the militant group a cancer.

Also, the President is still contemplating possible executive actions on immigration reform. Obama said the U.S. immigration system is broken and said he would prefer to see congressional action on reforms.

Absent congressional action, Obama said he has a responsibility to do what he can to help make the system work better. Executive actions on immigration would likely infuriate many House Republicans, who have blocked consideration of a bipartisan reform bill that the Senate passed last year.  (Metro Networks Inc.)