As the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’s (ISIL) territories continue their brutal acts of aggression in the Middle East, Western focus on eliminating this terrorist organization grows. On Sept. 10 our President, Barack Obama, dove into the international spotlight when he not only addressed ISIL to the world, but also outlined a definitive plan in removing them as a threat. The president highlighted numerous key points, such as finally defining ISIL, how we plan to stop them, and how we’re using our intelligence assets to accomplish this task. Yet, the biggest takeaway from this address was the direct message the president sent to the members of ISIL: “if you threaten America, you will find no safe haven.”
Our Commander-in-Chief began his speech by stating our nation’s recent successes over terrorist organizations, “we took out Osama bin Laden and much of al Qaeda’s leadership…we’ve targeted al Qaeda’s affiliate in Yemen, and recently eliminated the top commander of its affiliate in Somalia.” The president then explains that we have been able to do so, “while bringing more than 140,000 American troops home from Iraq, and drawing down our forces in Afghanistan.” This is a key point that will later correlate into his strategy of taking down ISIL without putting combat boots on the ground in the Middle East.
The next pivotal point in the speech was when the president clarified what exactly ISIL is, or rather is not. Obama stared into the camera, looked directly at the American people and stated, “now let’s make two things clear: ISIL is not ‘Islamic.’” These ten words are vital in the success of eliminating ISIL while simultaneously ensuring that the international community does not connect this evil conglomerate with Islam, a peaceful religion. Obama and his advisors understand the importance of separating the terrorist organization from Islam, which may help in fostering relations with practicing muslims able to help stop this threat.
Before finally elaborating on his plan to “degrade and destroy” ISIL, he hits on why it is crucial that we spend money and time doing so. “These terrorist are unique in their brutality,” the president stated, “They execute captured prisoners. They kill children. They enslave, rape, and force women into marriage. They threatened a religious minority with genocide. In acts of barbarism, they took the lives of two American journalists – Jim Foley and Steven Sotloff.” I can’t speak for a nation like the president, but after hearing the extent of these heinous crimes against humanity, I agree with the him; this organization must be stopped.
President Obama touched on the annihilation of ISIL by stating the nation’s clear objective, “we will degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL through a counter-terrorism strategy.” This strategy is similar to that of Operation Iraqi Freedom, minus having combat troops on the ground. The initial step is centered on airstrikes, with approximately 150 airstrikes already delivered to good ole’ ISIL. As this first step continues we will use our air capabilities to hinder ISIL’s plans of expansion into Iraq while simultaneously supporting the Iraqi forces as they go on the offense.
The second step, and likely the most vital, is sending additional support forces to help “Iraqi and Kurdish forces with training, intelligence, and equipment.” I find myself a little skeptical here as ‘I ask, weren’t we just in Iraq for over a decade fighting and training this Iraqi force? However, I have faith in the president and his military advisors. I hope our leaders have learned from the plethora of mistakes we made in Iraq over the past decade or so and train this force in such a way that they can triumph over ISIL.
The third step focuses on revamping our counterterrorism capabilities. This includes cutting off whoever is helping fund ISIL, finding new intelligence regarding this mysterious organization, and stopping foreigners from joining them. Obama then informed us know that he “will chair a meeting of the UN Security Council to further mobilize the international community around this effort.” Again, this is vital as America cannot take on a foreign terrorist organization who threatens the entire world, on our own.
The last step involves increasing humanitarian efforts to help the thousands of civilians of all religions whom ISIL is affecting in the region, as Obama states, “we cannot allow these communities to be driven from their ancient homelands.” Again, this couldn’t be more important as our nation stands for freedom, not only for our own citizens, but for those oppressed globally.
President Obama continues his speech, but shifts his focus towards gaining support in Congress and elaborating on the importance of our continued presence in a region where bloodshed is so common. Obama states, “American leadership is the one constant in an uncertain world,” and while many may argue that our motives are clouded, I would argue that they are not. We live in a scary time, we live on a scary planet where some men believe evil to be the answer, but we do not have to allow this to continue. America has the ability to eliminate this threat and in the process allow the world to inch one step closer to safety and freedom for all men and women of all countries and cultures.
Richard Whitaker can be reached at richard.whitaker@theminaretonline.com