Attacks on ISIS

We will discuss the recent attacks on ISIS. Check Discussion/Message Board above for upcoming international relations related events.

On September 10, 2014, President Obama announced that the US would lead an international coalition to fight ISIS. He said that U.S. ground combat troops would not be used in the attacks. U.S. led airstrikes began on September 23.

Join us as we discuss the implications of the attacks on ISIS. In particular:

Without U.S. ground troops, will airstrikes alone be effective?

Does Obama have the authority to order the attacks?

Can military action help defeat an ideology?

How committed are the coalition forces?

How will upcoming elections affect U.S. strategy?

There are references below.

As always...
All views and political orientations are welcome.

We welcome beginners and policy wonks alike. Feel free to join the discussion or just to listen and learn.

If you sign up and change your mind, please change your reply so that someone else may attend.

Meetup to last 1.5 hours (until 5:30 PM) although, of course, people are welcome to continue beyond that point.

References:

Obama outlines ISIS Strategy (http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/10/politics/isis-obama-speech/index.html)

Coalition Risks Loss of Support Unless It Clarifies Its Aims (http://www.thenational.ae/opinion/coalition-risks-loss-of-support-unless-it-clarifies-its-aims#full)

Defeating the Islamic State Militarily is Only Half the Battle (http://www.mei.edu/content/article/defeating-islamic-state-militarily-only-half-battle)

Here's What Air Strikes Can and Can't Do Against ISIS (http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-what-air-strikes-can-and-cant-do-against-isis-2014-10)