Clinton says military action against Islamic State militants is essential

OTTAWA, Ontario – Hillary Rodham Clinton says military action against Islamic militants in Iraq and Syria is "essential" and the U.S. would turn away from the threat "at our peril."

Clinton, a potential 2016 presidential contender, gave a speech and took questions in Ottawa at a Canada2020 think tank event on Monday. She says the fight against militants will be a long-term struggle and says an information war on social media is needed, as well as an air war.

Clinton says there is bipartisan agreement on the dealing with Islamic State militants, which is to degrade and defeat them.

Asked about running for president, Clinton she is "thinking hard" but won't make her decision until after the upcoming midterm Congressional elections in November. She previously said she would decide early next year.