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Antiterrorism measures

The Paris Attacks: A Wake-Up Call for a New Course in the War Against ISIS

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the world grapples with the devastating aftermath of the Paris attacks, in which at least 129 lives were lost, President Obama's assertion that ISIS is "contained" and not getting stronger comes under intense scrutiny. Retired military leaders, including former CIA acting Director Michael Morell, have flatly stated that the current strategy is not working, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are calling for a change in course. The attack on Paris has raised critical questions about the U.S. refugee policy, the spread of ISIS overseas, and the effectiveness of the current administration's strategy against the terror army.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Paris attacks have killed at least 129 people and injured hundreds, elevating the status of ISIS as a major terrorism threat.
  • President Obama's assertion that ISIS is "contained" has been disputed by lawmakers and retired military leaders, including former CIA acting Director Michael Morell.
  • The current administration's strategy against ISIS has been criticized as ineffective, with many calling for a change in course.
  • The U.S. refugee policy is under scrutiny, particularly in the wake of reports that at least one attacker in Paris entered France as a "refugee" from Syria.
  • Republican presidential candidates have proposed a range of solutions to the ISIS proliferation problem, including ground troops, no-fly zones, and bombing ISIS's capital of Raqqa.
  • Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's record on foreign policy is tied to the Obama administration's decisions, including the withdrawal from Iraq, which has contributed to the chaos in the Middle East.
  • Clinton will need to explain her role in the current state of the Middle East and what she would do differently if elected.

Statistics:

  • At least 129 people were killed in the Paris attacks.
  • Hundreds were injured in the attacks.
  • The U.S. has a system allegedly in place to vet refugees for terrorism, but FBI and Department of Homeland Security officials have repeatedly warned that it is inadequate.
  • The Obama administration's strategy against ISIS has not contained the group, despite claims to the contrary.
  • ISIS has expanded its reach globally, including attacks in Western Europe and the Middle East.

Sources:

  • ABC News, "President Obama on ISIS: 'We've Contained Them'" (no date provided)
  • CBS News, "Former CIA acting Director Michael Morell: 'The System Is Not Working'" (no date provided)
  • Townhall.com, "A Changed World: The 2016 Presidential Election in the Wake of Paris" by Katie Pavlich (no date provided)

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