The Smart Way to Bomb ISIS -- John Allen Gay, National Interest
Obama is reportedly weighing attacks on the Islamic State. What factors should shape his decision?
The Obama administration is reportedly considering airstrikes against the Islamic State after several days of advances by the putative caliphate. Also under consideration is the delivery of humanitarian aid to minority groups that fled as ISIS approached, with thousands reportedly trapped without food or water in rough terrain and scorching heat. France and Turkey may be joining in an American intervention—apparently, the Turks have already been delivering aid.
“Going back into Iraq” will be a tough sell for Obama at any scale. But a confrontation between America and the Islamic State is probably inevitable—if not now, then at some point in the future. ISIS’s gains profoundly destabilized the region, with diplomatic alignments put under pressure, vital infrastructure captured and large refugee flows. Kurdish independence and the broader breakdown of the region’s old colonial borders have both become more likely. The magnetic pull of jihad is growing. Iraq’s internal politics have grown even rougher; externally, Iran and Russia have increased their influence in Baghdad. An effort to contain or push back ISIS, in this light, is certainly worth considering. What factors should shape America’s approach?
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My Comment: How the Taliban in Afghanistan were defeated (right after 9/11) is .... in my opinion .... the best and most effective way to defeat ISIS. Special forces directing air strikes. Alliances with local tribes. Paying off foes to remain neutral. Declaring free-fire zones on certain Iraqi highways to limit ISIS movements in critical battles. There are many tactics and options .... many that I am sure are being developed right now. But the final decision will come from the White House .... and the big decision that they are probably grappling right now is .... how far do they want to become involved in this war.
Update: McCain Calls Obama's 'Pinprick' Iraq Strikes 'Meaningless' and 'Almost Worse Than Nothing' -- Josh Rogin, Daily Beast
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