President Obama Does The Right Thing

Three days ago, President Barack Obama ordered the first American airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq since the end of the war in 2011.  His long - term policy has always remained constant:  the region must sort out its own problems, America can't be the policeman of the world, America should not use military force.  But now, circumstances have changed.  Words like "genocide" and "humanitarian catastrophe"  describe an extreme situation unlike any other Mr. Obama has confronted.  Television images show 40,000 men, women and children (Yazidis)  isolated on a mountain with little food or water;  hunted down like mad dogs by men with no conscience and no mercy.  Christians persecuted for their religious beliefs.  Women taken as slaves.  Pictures of mass executions rippling through social media around the world.  And no end in sight.  He had to do something.

Even the President's language is different.  Prior to 2014, he rarely used the term "terrorists", preferring to soften the meaning with euphemisms like "militant", "radical".  On August 9th, on television, he referred to ISIS (or ISIL) fighters as "barbaric terrorists".  Some of the President's advisors reminded him of the genocide in Rwanda where 500 - 1 million Tutsi were killed by Hutu militants.  The world stood back and watched in horror, but did nothing.

Then there is the worry about the ability of the Kurdish military forces (the Peshmerga) to hold the ISIS hoard.  Despite their bravery and loyalty, on Aug. 6th they fell  back from the strategically important Mosul Dam.  And finally, the realization that ISIS won't be satisfied by simply establishing a small "Caliphate"  and settling down to a normal life under Shariah law - their vision is much grander.  In the words of John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State:  "President Obama has been unequivocal that he will do what is necessary when it's in our interests to confront ISIL and its threat to the security of the region and to our own security in the long run".

So the first air strikes have destroyed artillery positions and food and water are being air - dropped to the refugees in the mountains.

Good for you, President Obama.  You've shown leadership that our allies will follow.  The coalition will succeed!