Washington, D.C., Nov. 20, 2015, — In recent weeks, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, or ISIS, has shown that it is capable of conducting terrorist activities outside of Iraq and Syria. The devastating attacks on Paris and the downing of a Russian passenger plane filled with civilians over Egypt requires a greater response from the anti-ISIS coalition. The Center for American Progress has issued an issue brief that looks at the options before the international community and the United States and makes recommendations for bringing greater pressure to bear on ISIS without giving into the fear that the group seeks to provoke.
An injured Parisian was helped leaving the attack scene(photos from social media).
“The events of the past few weeks have shown that ISIS is able to sow fear and terror outside of its strongholds in Iraq and Syria,” said Vikram Singh, CAP Vice President for National Security and International Policy. “At home, instead of bipartisan resolve, we have seen calls to stop refugees seeking asylum in the United States and hateful anti-Muslim rhetoric, which only harm U.S. efforts to fight terrorists. U.S. leaders and the international community need to approach the military and humanitarian crisis provoked by ISIS with resolve and solidarity. That means helping those displaced by conflict in the region and stepping up efforts to defeat ISIS wherever it finds sanctuary.”
The issue brief outlines options the anti-ISIS coalition can use to defeat ISIS by increasing support to local partners in the fight, increasing coalition resources and airstrikes, improving intelligence cooperation with allies, continuing diplomatic efforts to wind down Syria’s civil war, and degrading ISIS sanctuaries and networks outside of Iraq and Syria through law enforcement, military, and diplomatic means. Success will require staying true to fundamental American values by rejecting anti-Muslim rhetoric and the demonization of refugees from Syria and Iraq.
Click here to read the issue brief.
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Tom Caiazza at [email protected] or 202.481.7141.