Iraq underwhelmed by US support after Obama commits US$200 million in aid

US President Barack Obama pledged US$200 million (HK$1.55 billion) in humanitarian aid to Iraq to help those displaced by Islamic State militants, an offer of assistance that appeared to fall short of the Iraqi prime minister's request for greater military support.

Obama made the financial commitment on Tuesday during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi.

Speaking to reporters at the end of the meeting, Obama said Iraqi forces were getting better equipped and trained since al-Abadi's election seven months ago. He also noted Iraq and a US-led coalition have recovered about one-fourth of the territory Islamic State had captured in the country.

However, Obama said the process of pushing back the militant group will be long and it was crucial for the US to help support families who have been displaced by the militants.

"Success won't occur overnight" Obama said, "but what is clear is that we will be successful."

Al-Abadi told reporters on Monday that an increase in US airstrikes, weapons deliveries and training has helped roll back Islamic State forces, but he needed greater support from the international coalition to "finish" them. "We want to see more," he said. The Iraqi leader made a similar appeal at the White House, saying he hoped for more international cooperation to minimise the crisis in the region.

Obama said the two leaders also discussed Iran's involvement in the fight against militants in Iraq, a major point of concern for the US. Shiite militias believed to be backed by Iran are playing a major role in helping the Iraqi military roll back IS advances in the country.