If we are to defeat ISIS, we will need a comprehensive strategy that includes both military, economic, and diplomatic action. This combined effort has the greatest possibility for success.
Ambassador Francis Rooney was on my program recently to talk about such a strategy. He believes that we should begin by correctly identifying ISIS and other groups as radical jihadists. He also argues for an embargo that would cut off extremist held territory. No cross border movement should be allowed. He also argues for a “No Fly Zone” and safe corridor in Syria. This would provide a place where humanitarian aid can be given to the displaced and stem the current refugee tide.
Lawrence Kudlow is concerned that the government has done very little to cut off sources of income to ISIS, which is now listed as the wealthiest terrorist organization in the world. He points out that the draft UN resolution merely calls on countries to describe what steps they are taking to prevent terrorist organizations from making money. Essentially, he says this is nothing more than a book report.
He recommends that the U.S. bomb oil trucks carrying the most valuable resource funding ISIS. Up until recently we have not done so because it would kill truck drivers who are civilians. He says they are part of the ISIS operation even if they are not wearing uniforms.
Presidential candidate Ben Carson recently released his 7-point plan for defeating ISIS. It called for forming regional partnerships to recruit and train Sunni Syrian men who could be fighting ISIS. It includes establishing a refugee safe zone in northeastern Syria and putting refuges under “international protection.”
Defeating ISIS requires a multi-prong approach. All of these ideas make sense and need to be implemented immediately.