Canada is joining the fight against Islamic State militants in Iraq.<br/> <br />Prime Minister Stephen Harper.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper saying:<br/> <br />"We intend to significantly degrade the capabilities of ISIL, specifically, its ability either to engage in military movements of scale or to operate bases in the open."<br/> <br />Canadian fighter jets will carry out airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Iraq for up to six months. Syria --- says --- Harper is off the table unless Damascus signs-off on it.<br/> <br />The Pentagon welcomed the announcement, noting that Washington wasn't pressuring its allies.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby saying:<br/> <br />"We are obviously grateful for the contributions of any nation that is willing to come forward and contribute to a coalition....It's up to them, their government, their people to determine the scope of their participation and we look forward to continuing to work with Canada as we go forwa
