Al Qaeda is no longer America’s primary enemy.
There is a new jihadist regime that is steadily becoming a major power within the Middle East. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), has made headlines this summer with their reported violence and brutality of civilians and prisoners, like for instance the recent cold blooded beheading of American Journalist James Foley. ISIS’s cruelty is so extreme that Al Qaeda publicly released a statement on the third of February cutting ties with any affiliation of the regime, according to the Washington Post. The United States government and European Union are suddenly scrambling to come up with a solution to this particularly ruthless organization. Time is running out as ISIS grows even more bold, publicly declaring plans to attack a western country in the near future.
If we as a nation have learned anything since that solemn eleventh of September, 13 years ago, it is that terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda and ISIS must be dealt with swiftly and effectively. We previously made the mistake of allowing Al Qaeda the time to plan to attack our country, we must not allow ISIS to have the same capabilities. What should be done with ISIS is not only our government’s most pertinent concern, but also the American people’s. President Obama has made it clear there will be no significant troop deployment to fight ISIS, but he has recently authorized airstrikes in northern Iraq and is now debating to continue them in eastern Syria as well.
Airstrikes may have proved effective in past conflicts, but will they solely be enough to stop ISIS’s determination? Considerable troop deployment like we witnessed with our enduring conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan will also prove to be a pointless endeavour. Our government needs to support the people of Iraq who are every bit as determined as we are to rid ISIS of their power. I do not recommend that we remain faithful in the Iraqi defense forces, who dishonorably retreated when ISIS invaded the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in June, allowing an easy victory for ISIS. Instead we should heavily arm and fully support the native Kurdish Iraqis, who have proven to stand and fight against ISIS in these past few weeks alone.
The Kurds are currently fighting ISIS from their homeland of Northern Iraq with dated weaponry, according to multiple reports from NBC’s Chief Foreign Correspondent, Richard Engel. The United States government needs to arm these determined citizens with elite weaponry, technology and most importantly training while continuing with airstrikes on ISIS-concentrated locations. There are an estimated 300 American Special Forces members currently in Iraq operating as military advisors for the Iraqis. It would be reasonable to increase this number significantly, as long as these highly specialized soldiers continue to operate in advisor roles.
Lars Tangen, a Norwegian International student at UT, would like more combat involvement from Special Forces. “Special Forces are the most expert soldiers our nations have to offer,” Tangen said. “They have extreme capabilities and skills that could set ISIS’ plans back months if not years. This added time could be crucial, particularly when you consider Al Qaeda’s freedom to plan in the years leading up to 9/11. Military action must be taken against these ruthless terrorists, and right now that seems like an ideal option.”
The handling of ISIS also presents an interesting diplomatic situation for the United States government. Since every Middle Eastern country has denounced ISIS, there is potential for a joint military operation between countries. These combined military operations could open the door for further diplomatic relations in the Middle East, and would also conceivably suppress the ISIS regime.
Whatever the final decision may be by our government on how to handle ISIS, time is not on our side. Retired CIA Director Michael Hayden stated that a western attack from ISIS will come “sooner rather than later” in an on air interview with CNN. Even the Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, stated in a Pentagon briefing that ISIS “is beyond anything [we’ve] ever seen”. In the past week alone, an estimated 150 Syrian soldiers were executed by ISIS militants, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human rights and multiple media outlets. Propaganda images are now being displayed on social media sites of the ISIS flag being shown in front of the White House with the simple message: “you are our goals anywhere.”
Unfortunately history tends to repeat itself and we as a nation should not make the same mistake we made prior to 9/11. ISIS needs to be stopped immediately and forcefully before a western country is attacked. We need to seek out those who are just as motivated to protect themselves against ISIS; the governments and citizens of the countries within the Middle East. The United States and European Union should seek an active supporting role in aiding these governments because as stated above, ISIS is coming for the West next. When it is all said and done, it is their homelands we are helping to protect. It is ultimately their responsibility to ensure this group gains no further momentum and is eliminated appropriately.
Cameron Gildea can be reached at cameron.gildea@spartans.ut.edu