U.S.: Islamic State Has Made 'Substantial Gains' In Iraq

The U.S. announced Wednesday that the Islamic State has made significant advancements in Iraq despite U.S.-led airstrikes in the area angled at destroying the terrorist organization.

John Allen, a retired U.S. general who serves as the U.S. envoy to the airstrike effort, told the AFP that it will take a significant amount of time to convince Iraqi locals to join the American cause and to gain control of the land over the Islamic State.

Allen said the Islamic State "has made substantial gains in Iraq," adding that while Kurdish forces and U.S. forces have been able to gain control of some areas, the terrorist organization has "tactical momentum" in other areas.

The former commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan went on to say that it would be difficult, at this point in time, to determine a "winner" and a "loser" in the U.S. fight against the Islamic State, saying such a designation would be premature.

"I'd be careful about assigning a winner -- winner or a loser," Allen added.

A recent poll taken by NBC and the Wall Street Journal indicates the number of Americans approving of ground forces in Iraq has risen since September, when President Obama announced plans for airstrikes in Iraq and Syria.

The poll reported that 41 percent of Americans believe there should be boots on the ground in the Middle East, up from 34 percent in September. The poll attributes the rise to mostly Republican voters.

President Barack Obama has repeatedly said he will not put boots on the ground in Iraq and Syria.