Abadia on CBS morning show

Last Updated Jan 23, 2015 3:34 PM EST

The leader of Iraq expressed optimism in his country's fight against Islamic extremists Friday but pleaded for more help from the international community and called for outside intervention to end the civil war in Syria.

"The challenges are huge," Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told "CBS This Morning" co-host Charlie Rose at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "I have to be blunt on this ... we need help."

Al-Abadi agreed with comments from top U.S. officials that about half of the leadership of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, had been killed in the international coalition's campaign. Secretary of State John Kerry made that claim Thursday, a sentiment echoed by other military and diplomatic officials.

Al-Abadi's comment contrasts sharply with last spring's descriptions of Iraqi soldiers fleeing from battle against ISIS fighters during the extremist group's march toward Baghdad that claimed Mosul, the country's second-largest city.

"It can be done," al-Abadi told Rose. "I'm telling you, there may be a surprise there."

"They have been very prompt in sending arms, sending munitions without even asking for payment first," al-Abadi told Rose. "Of course, we pay later."

"I cannot see a plan to save the Syrian people," al-Abadi told Rose. "If this war continues in Syria, all it's doing is damaging Syria, making more refugees, killing more civilians, then it must be stopped."

He called on the international community to step in to cease the hostilities involving the Syrian dictatorship and armed groups, which range from ISIS to U.S.-backed rebels. He said countries have talked enough about the crisis.

"I say let us stop it," al-Abadi said, "and then talk later."

He just threw the Syrian citizens to the wolves.  Might as well have asked the world to ignore Syria and keep sending money to Iraq!

(I am sure that the extreme number of displaced persons from Syria occupying refugee camps in Iraq is a concern.  And there are a bunch.)