Since the expansion of the Islamic State (IS), there has been a movement for President Obama to issue ground troops. The president instead continued to issue airstrikes in a coalition-led fight against IS (also known as ISIL or ISIS).
A plan is now in the works for an assault on Mosul that could involve the use of U.S. ground troops. Central Command has been selectively leaking bits of information to get the public used to the idea.
"There are strategic questions about why you would want to do that. I think the U.S. is trying to show some progress in this fight against ISIS, but there are many questions," Richard Engel said.
This leaves questions about how U.S. troops will be involved and whether the Iraqi army is properly trained.