How can we stop ISIS? That is a question many are asking, so it is worth sharing a plan that makes sense. Former CIA deputy director, John McLaughlin has written in the past about the scourge of ISIS and the tricky politics at stake. Today I want to explain his latest plan using military strategy.

He is quick to explain that there is no military solution to the problem of radical Islam. But he also adds that it is impossible to talk about ending ISIS without a military component. The major task is figuring out how to implement these ideas. Here are five important steps.

First, establish clear priorities. Too often the U.S. government has tried to do many things at once: degrading ISIS while also weakening the Assad regime. He says that the catch-22 is that weakening one strengthens the other. Therefore, it is time to say that destroying ISIS comes first.

Second, we need to provide better arms for those fighting ISIS. This would certainly include providing arms for the Kurds in Syria. They have demonstrated the will and the capability to defeat ISIS.

Third, intensify the U.S. response. We should intensify the air campaign and increase the number of U.S. special operators in the theater well beyond the 50 sent by the president.

Fourth, we should establish safe enclaves within Syria for fighters and refugees. These could be manned partly by U.S. advisers and accompanied by a warning to Assad that violating the space would risk us destroying his air force.

Fifth, lead in the formation of a substantial multinational force. The force should be capable of destroying ISIS. There is a significant leadership challenge in this, but it must be done to be successful.

ISIS can be defeated militarily, but this must include a coalition of other forces. Ending ISIS requires leadership and a concerted military response.