There has been a lot going on domestically in the news in the past couple of weeks. So much, in fact, that it has seemingly overshadowed external issues that will affect America if not handled properly. There has been token coverage of ISIS and other Middle Eastern news, but not nearly enough. Some may argue that this is a play by the generally leftist media to cover up for President Obama's foreign policy ineptitude. Others would say that the issue of police violence against minorities trumps everything else. I say, "Just give me the news...now, please." So, after digging around the less popular sections of various news sites, I've managed to glean a modicum of information regarding the topics at hand.
In September, reports came out about ISIS and Al-Qaida, specifically the Nusra Front, forming a sort-of alliance. ISIS and Nusra have been fighting against each other in Syria for a while now, conflicting views on who has the baddest jihadists on the block being the primary motivator. Recently though, it seems as though the old adage of "enemy of my enemy is my friend" holds true. They have apparently decided to work together, temporarily of course, to eliminate the Kurdish rebel forces, who are backed by the US. The biggest threat here, in my opinion, is that the two groups decide they actually like hanging out and make a permanent merger. This would bolster their ranks, making them into a force that would dwarf anything our troops saw while fighting in Iraq. Looks like the so called "jayvee" teams decided to jump straight into the NBA playoffs. I wish I could ask the President what it feels like to be wrong so often. I am married so I have a slight understanding.
Another miss from this Administration is the air strike plan against ISIS. I love technology, especially military tech, but all the gadgetry in the world isn't going to "decimate" an enemy on their home turf. Especially an enemy as amoebic as ISIS. Successful Presidents have understood that there are times where you have to risk the lives of US Service members to accomplish a mission, help an ally, or secure freedom and democracy around the world. Folks in the military understand this. It's part of the job they willingly signed up for. Having the backbone to risk lives to protect national interests is a part of the President's job. Sometimes it seems like President Obama took the job without reading the contract. PotUS is not a job at Wal-Mart you can just figure out as you go. It requires honor, courage, commitment, and competence. Obama seems to be 0 for 4.
I am a little unsettled with Iran's recent "assistance" in the fight against ISIS. I'm sure the left will say "See...Iran's not so bad!", but I can't help but go through a possible litany of ulterior motives behind the move. I immediately go to placation as motive number one. Iran "helps" take out some of those extreme ISIS guys, America and the UN decide the Iranian government is decent enough to be trusted with a nuclear program. Sanctions are lifted and bombs are developed. Motive two: Eliminating the competition for title of number one jihadists. ISIS has been gaining a huge following from all over the Middle East. Hamas needs its own terrorists for the fight against Israel and the West and by eliminating ISIS, it can display strength and show that they are the organization all terrorists need to join. Whatever the motive behind this recent action by Iran, I don't trust it. Hopefully, US leaders don't jump the gun and buddy up with Iran before the intelligence community has a time to do their jobs.
There is an American who has been in Yemen for over a year. The thing is, he hasn't been there because he wants to be. He has been held hostage by Al-Qaida. His name is Luke Sommers, a photojournalist who was snatched off the street in September of 2013. A covert rescue mission last month between Yemeni and US Special Forces to rescue hostages recovered 8 captives, but Mr. Sommers had already been moved. A video was released by the terrorist group with Mr. Sommers asking for help and stating he believed his life was in danger. The terrorists gave a 3 day deadline to meet their demands before they executed Luke. They did not specify their demands, saying simply "The US government knows what we want." The US and Yemeni forces attempted a second rescue attempt on Friday. Unfortunately, Mr. Sommers and South African citizen Pierre Korkie were wounded during the fight and died of their wounds. While it is commendable that the US sent troops in to rescue this man, why did it take over a year? This was not a combatant captured by enemy forces during battle. He was a journalist who was kidnapped while walking down the street. Al Qaida of the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the terrorist branch who committed this crime, is one of the most dangerous of the Al Qaida cells. They have perpetrated numerous attacks on the US homeland including attempted airplane bombings, explosive laden packages, and mortar attacks on US embassies. If this group is as bad as the reports say they are, why have we not talked to the Yemeni government about sending troops in to "decimate Al Qaida and get them on the run". Maybe the President is full and doesn't want to have to eat his words.
The US is "baffled" as to why Nigeria canceled training exercises with US forces. The exercises were to train Nigerian forces to battle against Boko Haram, the terrorist group that kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in April. The Nigerian government has offered no explanation to the cancelation and the US is mum on speculations. I have a speculation, though. The Nigerian government sees how we treat allies like Israel and Ukraine during their time of need and they are afraid. If they go against the ruthless Boko Haram and start losing, what will the US do? We will launch a few "targeted strikes" from drones and feel good about doing our part. Meanwhile, the terrorists will behead or shoot men women and children and feel good that their "martyrs" died fighting Western influence. However, if the Nigerian government cuts ties with the US and negotiates with the terrorists, they may avoid bloodier conflict. Foreign policy dictates foreign relations. If we choose to sit behind our fortress walls and let the world burn, we can't complain when the world eventually burns us.
Conflict in the Middle East has existed for millennia, long before Christianity ever set foot on the sand. The Arab Caliphates in the 7th century, fueled by the rise of Islam, conquered all of the Middle East, most of Northern Africa, and parts of Spain and Southern France. The only thing that stopped the further expansion of the Arab Empire was the resistance by the Christian Byzantine Empire. In the 11th century, the Turks rolled through Persia, Iraq, Egypt, Palestine, and the area around Jordan and assumed control. In the middle of this expansion, the Crusades were being fought to take control of Jerusalem. The reason I mention history is because it has this nasty habit of repeating itself. Our leaders seem to forget this or at least do not concern themselves with it. Much like the Muslim leader Saladin who led his army against the might of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the Islamic State and Al Qaida, and its various branches, need only a charismatic leader who can unite them and coordinate them. If all of the Islamic terrorist groups united under one cohesive banner, they would rival most national militaries. The walls of Jerusalem were thought to be invincible, much like the shores of America (except maybe the Southern border), until the army of Saladin came in and sent the Crusaders packing. We have to either take the fight to the terrorists, boots on the ground and all, or be ready when the "walls of Jerusalem" are breached by the forces of jihad.
- C.J. Johnston
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