BERLIN — German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the United States has a "special responsibility" toward Iraq as the country battles an Islamic militant insurgency.

Merkel's predecessor, Gerhard Schroeder, vehemently opposed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and officials are making clear that Germany has no intention of sending troops there in the current crisis.

The parliamentary caucus leader of Merkel's party, Volker Kauder, was quoted Wednesday as telling the daily Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung that it's up to the U.S. to ensure stability in Iraq and Washington should consider renewed military intervention.

Asked about those comments, Merkel told reporters: "The special responsibility of the United States of America is not just there; it is already being taken by President Obama in recent days." She didn't mention military action.