The U.S. Campaign Against the Islamic State Could Expand

The Islamic State does not operate in a vacuum. By developing and maintaining connections to other countries, the organization actively recruits foreign fighters, even seeking to create conditions whereby returning fighters or other like-minded jihadists can establish sympathizing militant groups. Because of the jihadist network's potential to grow in other countries and regions, U.S. military action against offshoots in places such as Libya, for example, could be deemed necessary in the future.