Is Obama's ISIS Strategy Working?

Last week we looked at President Obama's strategy outlined in September to degrade and destroy ISIS. Now, six months later, have we made any progress? Let's look again at some of the key points.

Airstrikes in Iraq & Syria

Train and Arm Syrian Rebels

Train and Equip Iraqi Army

International Coalition

Obama has insisted that US troops will not get involved on the ground in fighting ISIS. But, is that necessary for victory?




The US Should Not Send in Troops

The US Should Send in Troops

Friday Forum: The FCC and Net Neutrality

Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled 3-2 in favor of new net neutrality rules. This important decision ensures that all information and web pages will enjoy the same access speeds provided by carriers, with no preferential treatment being granted based on content or higher payment. With net neutrality, the government is essentially treating internet providers like public utility companies, subject to government regulation. Watch the videos below (use your earbuds) and read the articles to get a better understanding of net neutrality.






 Here's Senator Ted Cruz's argument against net neutrality and government regulation.

 


FCC Passes Net Neutrality: What This Means for Americans

FCC Votes "Yes" on Strongest Net-Neutrality Rules

5 Arguments Against Net Neutrality

Feel free to search for other articles on this topic as well if time allows.

Discussion Questions

1. Do you agree with the FCC's decision? Why or why not?

2. Do you believe that internet providers should be regulated like public utilities?

3. Will the FCC's ruling stifle free enterprise and innovation, or better protect small start-ups online?

4. Should websites like Netflix or YouTube that take up more bandwidth have to pay more to ISPs or help with infrastructure costs?

President Obama's ISIS Strategy

In early September, President Obama outlined to the American public his administration's plans to help "degrade" and "destroy" ISIS in the Middle East.

There are two main questions we want to answer regarding this issue:
1. What, specifically, is the President's plan?
2. Is it working?

The first question should be relatively easy to answer. You need to begin by watching (use your earbuds) his address to the American people that explains the rationale for US involvement, the complexities of the conflict, and the US plans for military and diplomatic action. As you watch, please take notes over specific plans that the President outlines.




Vox also has an excellent overview of the President's six point plan.

President Obama Lays Out His Strategy to Destroy ISIS

You can also read about the President's speech here.

Discussion Questions:
1. What part of the President's plan do you think will be the most effective or is the most important?
2. Which part of the plan do you think is the most difficult to implement?
3. Do you agree with the President's proposals? Too little or too much US military involvement?
4. What, if anything, should the US do in addition?



The more difficult question is assessing the effectiveness of the President's plan. It has been nearly six months since he outlined his plan. What, if anything, has changed? We will address and evaluate that question tomorrow.

ISIS and the Recruitment of Foreigners

Although exact numbers are unknown, a considerable number of ISIS members are coming from outside of Syria and Iraq. Who are these people and where are they coming from? Why? What is the appeal? What is ISIS doing to recruit them? How is ISIS trying to expand their followers?

True/False Quiz:

1. Three teenage girls from Denver recently skipped school to fly over to Europe and eventually join ISIS.

2. Approximately 1000 Westerners have joined ISIS so far, nearly 200 women.

3. ISIS has used the video game Battlefield as a form of recruitment.

4. The "ginger jihadist" is a 35 year-old red-head from Australia who joined ISIS last year and has appeared in several propaganda videos for them.

5. As many as 20,000 foreigners from around the world have gone to Syria to join ISIS.

Working with a partner, find articles to answer the following questions. At the end of each answer, be sure to include the source (web address).

1. Where are these outside fighters coming from? Any specific numbers or approximations of these people?
2. Explain why these people are joining ISIS. What are their motivations? Are they all the same or are people joining for different reasons?
3. What is attracting women to ISIS?
4. What is their role in ISIS? How does this help ISIS? 
5. What is ISIS doing to help recruit these people?
6. What can be done, if anything, to reduce the influx of outsiders joining the ranks of ISIS?

UPDATE: Here's a brand new article on ISIS and the recruitment of females.

Friday Forum: The Other Islamist Group Wreaking Havoc

Kidnapping and ransoms. Slaughtering innocent women and children. Islamic extremists. Suicide bombings. Trying to establish a caliphate. Opposed to western values. Fueled by ethnic and religious conflicts. Propaganda and social media. ISIS? Nope.

Don't Ignore Boko Haram's Atrocities

Why Did the World Ignore Boko Haram's Baga Attacks?

Discussion Questions:

• Why does Boko Haram not receive the same media attention as ISIS or the Charlie Hibdo attacks in France?
• Is Boko Haram as big of a threat as ISIS? 
• Should the US be concerned? Why or why not? 
• What should the US do (if anything) in response to the actions (such as the kidnapping of several hundred school children) of Boko Haram?