Barack Obama: The War President

On Wednesday night, President Obama reluctantly but effectively declared war on the Islamic State.  Gruesome beheadings broadcast around the world and threats of attacks on the homeland finally convinced Obama to drop the gauntlet.  That and the Central Intelligence Agency estimate that the size of the terrorist army doubled over the summer to 20,000 - 31,000 fighters, primarily by foreign recruits eager to get into the war.  The President said:  "The United States will lead a broad coalition of partners to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIS".

Lined up against ISIS are Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the Kurds, Syria, Iraq and Iran.  Saudi Arabia, in particular, has a pivotal role because of its airpower and its commitment to provide training facilities for 10,000 new volunteers.  Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal promised:  "There is no limit to what the kingdom can provide in this regard..... The kingdom is determined to face and overcome this scourge:".

America will step up its air strikes and for the first time, bomb ISIS facilities in Syria.  Targets include armored vehicles, artillery, trucks and machine gun/mortar positions.  The number of U.S.  advisors/trainers will be beefed up but Mr. Obama was very clear that "This is not our fight alone.  American power can make a difference, but we cannot do for Iraqis what they must do for themselves, nor can we take the place of Arab  partners in securing their region".  Two very important tactics in this strategy are to cut off ISIS funding and to equip local ground forces with military hardware.

An equally important pledge came from some Arabic countries to stop the propaganda promoting the Islamic State's radical, perverted ideology  through religious centres and social media sites.  This, in addition to military might, is the key to killing the hypnotic lure of ISIS.  It will be a long struggle.  The House of Islam is divided.  The world watches - hoping that sane, civilized men and women will destroy this inhuman, monstrous cancer and the perverted ideology behind it.