ISIS

The ISIS uprising is the most serious event in the middle east in a long time. Their goal of an Islamic state across Iraq and Syria was once though of as a pipe dream of irrational terrorists. Now it is within their grasp. If you still consider the group a band of terrorists that will soon be defeated, I would like to know who you think will defeat them. They are gaining recruits exponentially. The Iraqi army are mercenaries who flee at the first sign of a determined enemy. How long can they survive holed up in Baghdad against an enemy growing in strength so rapidly? Shiite volunteers, and perhaps the Iranians, could defend Shiite areas, but would be hard pressed to retake and 'occupy' Sunni areas. Precision airstrikes are useless against masses of foot soldiers. Obama is waffling about reconciliation. Who exactly will Malaki reconcile with?

Now is the time for realpolitik. This aspiring state must be crushed, and I fear the only way to do that is to go back in with ground troops. This would be a long haul indeed. The alternative is a new terrorist state that puts Iran to shame. This is Obama's Neville Chamberlain moment.