As the United States works to assemble a coalition against the Islamic State group, the White House is trying to make clear what a successful outcome would be.

President Barack Obama’s chief of staff puts it this way: The militants no longer would threaten the United States or its allies in the Mideast, no longer would add followers and no longer would threaten Muslims.

Obama has said his plan to “degrade and ultimately destroy” the group would not involve U.S. combat troops.

Secretary of State John Kerry is trying to round up international support, and White House chief of staff Denis McDonough says to expect word to come that other countries are ready to pledge combat troops and join in flying missions.

McDonough appeared Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

(AP)