Obama Calls on Russia To Focus On Islamic State Group

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — President Barack Obama vows the fight against the Islamic State group won't let up and that the world won't accept attacks on civilians in Paris and elsewhere as the "new normal."

Wrapping up a nine-day trip to Turkey and Asia, Obama also says Russia needs to make a strategic decision to go after IS, not moderate opposition forces trying to topple Syrian President Bashar Assad.

He says initial military operations by Russia did not add to efforts to deter IS, and in some ways, strengthened it.

At a news conference, Obama says he has repeatedly made clear to intelligence officials that they should never shade their assessments to produce a "feel good story."

He was responding to a question about a New York Times report that said military analysts felt pressured to paint a more optimistic picture. than warranted about training Iraqi troops and combating the Islamic State.

Obama will host French President Francois Hollande at the White House on Tuesday.

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