ASSESSMENTS

The U.S. Explores Options Against the Islamic State

Aug 23, 2014 | 11:01 GMT

IS Options
U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey hold a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington on Aug. 21, 2014.

(SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Summary

Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey said Aug. 21 that Islamic State militants cannot be defeated without a comprehensive approach that takes into account the group's presence in both Iraq and Syria. While neither Dempsey nor Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel directly stated that the United States intended to carry out operations in Syria, their comments indicate that there is a potential for increased U.S. involvement in the Syrian conflict in pursuit of the Islamic State. Were Washington to decide to strike directly in Syria, it could align itself with any number of groups. Each scenario presents different levels of risk, and with more risk comes a greater chance of success.

Washington could pursue any number of options in suppressing Sunni militants, but the more effective routes all involve risky moves in Syria....

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