ISIS

 

 

In a televised interview on Sunday, September 28th, Obama admitted that ISIS was more powerful than the U.S. initially believed. This political cartoon shows how the US government "underestimated what had been taking place in Syria" during its civil war, allowing Syria to become "ground zero for jihadists around the world." Because of this, ISIS has grown and now become a threat to many nations. Not only have their own actions negatively affected the world, but they are inspiring other individuals to rebel. Multiple individuals around the world have been linked to joining ISIS or helping in some shape or form, and certain individuals have even performed public beheadings. The actions of ISIS suggest that it is acceptable to kill innocent people who worship a different God.

Syria is completely ungoverned, in complete chaos, and unable to reconstruct their country. The terrorists were remnants of al Qaeda in Iraq, which after being diminished by U.S. forces "went back underground." The main reason why al Qaeda formed is because we gave them the weapons and the knowledge on how to fight. This is why I don't understand why we are arming the Syrian Rebel Army, when they can turn and attack us at any moment. Instead of sending ground troops, the US has sent advisors to help arm the defenseless Syrians. The airstrike campaign seems to be working, so I think Obama should continue with that.

One aspect that hasn't been sufficiently taken care of by the US are Syria's humanitarian needs. Along with fighting ISIS, we should be helping the citizens live a happy life. They need food and water, and medical experts and supplies. Also, many kids in Syria are known as “the lost generation" because they can’t go to school and don't have enough money to go to college. Many Syrians have fled to Lebanon, but the schools are too crowded and very few students can attend. The US should help continue their schooling and let them have successful futures.