Obama Administration Seeks Increased Contributions from European Allies in Fight against Islamic State

The Obama administration is leveraging the current tensions in Europe to urge allies to increase their contributions to the fight against the Islamic State (IS). Following the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, French President Francois Hollande met with President Obama to discuss strategy and pressed for more action from European allies. Hollande stated that there is a "new mind-set now" and that the two leaders agreed that their nations must "do even more together." The administration is pushing for increased military assistance, intelligence-sharing, and the deployment of Special Operations forces from European countries.

Key Takeaways:

• The Obama administration is seeking sharp increases in contributions from European allies to combat the IS, including more strike aircraft, intelligence-sharing, training and equipment for local fighters, and deployment of Special Operations forces.
• France has agreed to increase its involvement in the fight, with President Hollande stating that there is a "new mind-set now" and that his country will do more to combat the IS.
• The administration plans to "work the phones" with other members of the U.S.-led coalition and potential new members to press for increased contributions.
• The focus has shifted from "Iraq first" to a greater emphasis on Syria, with about two-thirds of over 8,000 coalition strikes since last fall taking place in Iraq.
• European allies, primarily France and Britain, had declined to participate in strikes inside Syria, but are now being pressured to increase their involvement.
• Middle Eastern allies, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, have drifted away from the campaign in Syria.
• The administration plans to bring them back to conduct Syria operations and pressure them to increase their contributions.
• Obama has authorized the deployment of 50 U.S. Special Operations forces to help organize and coordinate aid to Syrian Arabs and Kurds fighting the militants in the north-central and eastern part of the country.

Statistics:

• Over 8,000 coalition strikes have taken place in the region since last fall.
• About two-thirds of these strikes have been in Iraq.
• More than 2 million Syrian refugees are hosted in Turkey.
• Hundreds of thousands of refugees have reached Europe, with many traveling from Turkey.
• The only remaining part of the Syria-Turkey border under IS control is a 60-mile stretch in the north-central part of the country.

Sources:

• "U.S. presses European allies for more help in fight against Islamic State, By Karen DeYoung, The Washington Post"
• Juliet Eilperin, The Washington Post