Obama outlines his ISIS strategy

WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama announced the United States would lead a “broad coalition” in a “steady, relentless effort” to eradicate the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria—known as ISIS or ISIL.

Obama’s remarks came during a prime-time address Wednesday night, two weeks after he made much-criticized comments saying he had no strategy to defeat the terrorist organization. The United States has carried out more than 150 air strikes since last month, and the president said the strikes would expand in support of Iraqi ground troops who will “go on offense.” He said the mission would take time but would not include U.S. combat troops.

ISIS militants have taken control of large swaths of Iraq and Syria since January, killing thousands and displacing more than 1.5 million people—many of them Christians and other religious minorities.

“In a region that has known so much bloodshed, these terrorists are unique in their brutality,” Obama said. “They execute captured prisoners. They kill children. They enslave, rape and force women into marriage.” The president also pledged humanitarian aid to help those struggling to survive.

Obama said the U.S. military would not hesitate to strike ISIS targets in Syria and has asked Congress for funding to train moderate Syrian rebels. That policy reversal comes exactly one year after the president announced—in the aftermath of his “red line” comments”—the United States would pursue diplomatic means to end the civil war in Syria. It also puts the United States in the awkward position of fighting against and with Iran at the same time. Iran is helping prop up Syrian dictator Bashar al-Asaad, and it has troops on the ground in Iraq to help repel ISIS from its neighbor.

Obama prefaced his remarks Wednesday night with a controversial comment: “ISIL is not Islamic.” He argued the group is only a terrorist organization that has taken advantage of a weak security situation, but critics blasted him for his unrealistic approach to the problem.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, also criticized the president for holding up Yemen and Somalia as examples of successful counterterrorism operations: ”To this day, these nations remain hotbeds of terrorism. If the goal is to destroy ISIS, President Obama should not try to replicate a strategy that has not destroyed other enemies.”

Obama’s 15-minute speech was unusual because prime-time presidential addresses regarding military action are typically meant to rally American support. In this case Americans are already on board: A new CNN poll found 90 percent of Americans think ISIS is a threat to the United States, and 61 percent in an NBC/Wall Street Journal poll said attacking the militants is in the national interest—only 13 percent were opposed.

The president in his address listed U.S. military accomplishments, including the killing of Osama bin Laden, and insisted “America is safer,” but polling shows 47 percent believe the United States is less safe now than it was before the 9/11 attacks 14 years ago.

The ISIS conundrum has consumed Washington, months after the group started carving up the Middle East but only weeks before the midterm elections. That could spell doom for Democrats who already face stiff headwinds on a variety of issues—especially foreign policy.

“After the beheadings of two American citizens, they don’t want an explanation of what’s happening,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., noting his constituents are concerned about American security. “They want a plan. They want some presidential leadership.”

House leaders have been cautious about calling for a congressional vote authorizing military action, but McConnell has emerged as one of the strongest proponents for it, saying Obama needs the support of Congress behind him. The president said he would “welcome” congressional support but didn’t say he would wait for it. Senate Minority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas, said even if Congress does vote to authorize military action, Obama shouldn’t expect a blank check.

The White House will give a classified briefing to members of Congress on Thursday morning, but some members began backing Obama immediately after his speech.

“I support the president in his efforts to build a broad coalition in Iraq and Syria, and I will work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure he has the support he needs to achieve these objectives,” said Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington. “But … we need more than just rhetoric.”

Earlier Wednesday, former Vice President Dick Cheney excoriated Obama’s foreign policy strategy in a speech at the American Enterprise Institute. Cheney said the United States needs to get back on offense in the war on terror, and Obama should cease “hasty withdrawals, continuous disengagement, and self-congratulation for all of it.”

WORLD has published a list of aid agencies assisting displaced Christians in Iraq.