US Defense Secretary Ash Carter has met with more than 30 of his counterparts from around the world. The purpose of the meeting was to review the current situation in the fight against Islamic State.

The two day meeting opened with the American defense secretary urging his partners to do more to defeat ISIL in Iraq and Syria. Taking the lead, Ash Carter said the alliance must not rest until it wins.

"We now have momentum in this fight and we have clear results on the ground. And today we will make the plans and commitments that will help us deliver ISIL a lasting defeat," said Ash Carter.

But some ministers attending the gathering just outside Washington said more resources are needed. This, despite coalition advancements in key cities.

All of this is happening as John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, is hosting his own meeting in Washington, trying to raise two billion dollars to help the Iraqi government.
He says the funds will be used for humanitarian assistance, as well as direct aid, as support for communities recently freed from ISIL's grip, and also - a recent addition to the list - a stability fund.

On Thursday, he and Carter will host a joint meeting to discuss how to better coordinate the political and military responses. The leaders say they are confident the effort will work, but have not put a timeline on its success.