ISIS and the Obama Administration Response

The Frontline video presented a critical look at the rise of ISIS and the Obama administration's handling of the situation. Several former administration officials and national security experts question the lack of military assistance and continued support of Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki in 2014.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think the rise of ISIS in Syria and Iraq could have been slowed by a faster and stronger military response by the United States? Why did the Obama administration wait to intervene?

2. How did the U.S. support for Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki contribute to the problems in Iraq?

3. Should the U.S. supply Syrian rebel fighters in their fight against ISIS and the Syrian government? What danger is there in providing them with weapons?


Yesterday, President Obama formally requested an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) from Congress to help combat ISIS. In addition to the resolution, here is the letter he sent Congress explaining his request.

The White House web page offers an overview of the President's proposal and rationale for the request: The AUMF against ISIL: What You Need to Know