Since the bombing of ISIS in Syria began two nights ago, ISIS forces have continued to close in on Ayn al Arab in northern Syria. The number of refugees who have fled the ISIS advance into Turkey has risen to 125,000. Despite the dire situation in this area and the massing of ISIS troops that provides good targets, almost all of the bombs dropped have been hundreds of miles away. In Iraq, where the USA has been bombing for over a month, ISIS forces just captured an outpost of the Iraqi army and taken over 300 troops prisoner. One can only assume that those prisoners will soon be executed if past ISIS practice is followed again.
The only conclusion one can draw from these news items is that a much bigger effort needs to be made in confronting ISIS. If we are lucky, ISIS will itself make a big mistake. Maybe it will attack a Turkish position or a Jordanian one with the result that the nation under attack commits its armed forces to the battle. That would provide the competent soldiers needed to break ISIS and push it back. Maybe ISIS will rule in such a barbaric way that the people remaining in the conquered areas will rise up and force ISIS out. More likely, however, is that ISIS will have to be ousted by Iraqi and Kurdish troops working together with American air power. President Obama has to commit fully to this battle if it is to succeed. So far, he has said that he is committed, but, as we all know, with Obama what he says doesn't usually matter. Only time will tell.
The only conclusion one can draw from these news items is that a much bigger effort needs to be made in confronting ISIS. If we are lucky, ISIS will itself make a big mistake. Maybe it will attack a Turkish position or a Jordanian one with the result that the nation under attack commits its armed forces to the battle. That would provide the competent soldiers needed to break ISIS and push it back. Maybe ISIS will rule in such a barbaric way that the people remaining in the conquered areas will rise up and force ISIS out. More likely, however, is that ISIS will have to be ousted by Iraqi and Kurdish troops working together with American air power. President Obama has to commit fully to this battle if it is to succeed. So far, he has said that he is committed, but, as we all know, with Obama what he says doesn't usually matter. Only time will tell.
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