OPINION:
Hours before the Islamic State’s attacks on Paris, President Obama stated that the terrorist group had been “contained.” In January 2015 Mr. Obama called ISIS a “JV” (junior varsity) team that had little significance. Apparently Mr. Obama forgot to inform the Islamic State that it is insignificant.
While Mr. Obama has been in charge, the Islamic State has increased its geographical presence. It now has significant numbers in nine countries, stretching from Libya to Egypt to Afghanistan. Adherents are flocking to this organization daily. The group has stretched past its local battles to international terrorism. Its operational headquarters is in Syria.
Mr. Obama has proclaimed two objectives in Syria: 1) Remove President Assad from power by arming militias opposed to him; and 2) Contain the Islamic State. These objectives counter one another. The Islamic State also wants to topple the Syrian government and replace it. Mr. Obama, by opting to destabilize the Syrian government, has aided the Islamic State in its growth. This was confirmed by a 2012 U.S. Defense Intelligence agency report. Plus some of the militias we are trying to arm are affiliated with the Islamic State. Mr. Obama’s effort to depose Mr. Assad will only play into the hands of the Islamic State, creating instability and a power vacuum easily filled by the terror organization.
Syrians must help in the fight against the Islamic State and not flee to neighboring countries and the United States. Syrians must take up the fight in their land, along with coordinated attacks from allies. The Islamic State will not be defeated by aerial bombardments alone. As our experiences from the Vietnam War to the most recent Iraq war have shown, support from the indigenous population is most needed to counter terrorist or guerilla insurgencies.
CHRISTIAN GATSBY
Birmingham, Ala.
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