US Forms “Core Coalition” to Counter ISIS

The United States has organized a “core coalition” and seeks more members to battle Islamic State terrorists. Ground forces are ruled out for now. The coalition was organized at the NATO summit. A campaign to defeat the terrorist group – deemed a threat for the Middle East and western nations, too – could last years. “NATO announced plans for allies to share more information on westerners fighting for IS - who U.S. and European security officials see as a major risk to national security when they return home,” reports Reuters. “NATO may also coordinate airlifts by member states to deliver assistance to Iraq.” Air strikes will be the first line of attack, already underway from the United States in Iraq, and Europe expects the United States to develop a comprehensive and long-term plan that includes political stability. The coalition will consider how to pursue the extremists into Syria. US officials pointed out the coalition must target the group’s finances and discredit its ideology. So far, the Islamic State may have sympathy of a few marginalized, disgruntled individuals, but it has no allies. – YaleGlobal