Seeking Political Solutions to the ISIS Crisis
https://thebluereview.org/seeking-political-solutions-to-isis-crisis/
The current situation begs an important question: What can the U.S. gain from the intervention outlined by President Obama? Looking to the scholarly literature, one thing is clear: few Americans will benefit personally from the U.S. involvement in defeating ISIS. The way forward in the quest to provide stability and peace in Iraq is rooted in a political solution, not the use of violence. Statements that paint a picture of good and evil and a necessity to ‘destroy’ ISIS understate the likelihood and complexity of the political situation in Iraq, radical Islamists and the known costs and benefits of military intervention. Is there a better way to intervene with ISIS rather than send more American troops overseas to die? Is there a diplomatic solution?
A Military Campaign Alone Is Not the Solution to ISIS
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/09/15/does-the-us-have-allies-it-needs-to-fight-isis/a-military-campaign-alone-is-not-the-solution-to-isis
ISIS is only one symptom of a deeper problem in the Middle East. After ISIS, another terror grouping will emerge. The region’s many problems require new thinking, and new regional answers. Unification of the Middle East helps rebut the notion that only a caliphate is the answer to Muslim problems. An EU-version of leadership in the Middle East helps create prosperity for a region filled with high unemployment and low capital for entrepreneurial investment, but this also offers a better narrative than the radicals. Unless we think differently and for the longer term, then we will continue to be on the defensive in fighting jihadists. American leadership is needed to show the Middle East how a better future can be attained through political unity, religious pluralism and free-market capitalism.
These two articles paint the larger picture behind the ISIS problem, the military efforts will not be enough to quell the unrest in the middle east. If ISIS is weakened enough that they have to disband another group will soon emerge from the ashes as ISIS did. There needs to be diplomatic solutions to this violent question rather than just pure force. How can intervening countries ensure that peace will last in the middle east for years to come, and not just keep delaying the inevitable. It is like the Egyptian removal of its president, without proper structure in place another extremist group will rise to power in spite of efforts for world powers.
April 29th, 2015 at 3:23 pm
Interesting look into how the major powers of the world are intertwined into this issue and organization.
April 29th, 2015 at 3:24 pm
You’ve done an important thing by analyzing ISIS in terms of the major international powers with a stake in the region.
April 29th, 2015 at 3:24 pm
I like the direction you’ve taken with your blog on ISIS. It allows for a different perspective on the religious sect or regime, as you called it. Great articles and videos you’ve provided. Good luck with your final post!
April 29th, 2015 at 3:26 pm
Good job assessing actors and their positions concerning ISIS. I think it was good to hear an international perspective on ISIS rather than its effects on neighboring countries
April 29th, 2015 at 3:26 pm
Good information, your blog looks really good and organized.
April 29th, 2015 at 3:38 pm
You did a great job adding a different perspective on ISIS following the other presentations on a similar topic. I found your analysis of the US and ISIS very interesting.