At the request of the Iraqi government, Britain is preparing to join the fight against Islamic State.
British lawmakers are expected to vote Friday on whether to participate in U.S.-led air strikes on targets in Iraq.
British Prime Minister David Cameron says he's confident of parliamentary support.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, DAVID CAMERON, SAYING:
"I am convinced that ISIL (Islamic State) is a direct threat to Britain. There is now a comprehensive strategy in place to defeat them. I have been asked by the Iraqi government for our help, so I'll be recalling the British parliament on Friday so that Britain can take part in international air strikes against ISIL in Iraq."
The U.S. is at the forefront of the fight against Islamic State in Iraq, and is now pounding the militants' positions in Syria.
But first things first for Britain. Cameron says that strikes in Syria would require a separate debate.
