The Problem With Vows to 'Defeat' the Islamic State
What happens after Raqqa falls?
Leave Root Causes Aside—Destroy the ISIS ‘State’
Of course it would be daunting to solve the conflicts the Islamic State feeds on. But that isn’t, or shouldn’t be, the mission.
America Can’t Do Much About ISIS
That leaves patience, containment, and humanitarian aid as the least-bad policies while waiting for this awful war to play itself out.
Why ISIS Propaganda Works
And why stopping it requires that governments get out of the way
Fight ISIS With Democracy
The Islamic State offers a false choice between dictatorship and extremism. Tunisia proves there’s a better way.
Why ISIS Cannot Be Negotiated With
Jonathan Powell argues that talking to terrorists has brought peace in the past. But the Islamic State really is different.
Containing ISIS: What Would George Kennan Do?
Barry Posen rightly argues for a containment strategy. But just as important as what to do is what to avoid.
Negotiate With ISIS
It’s not an alternative to fighting. It's necessary to do both.
Contain ISIS
The Paris attacks have naturally prompted calls for a stronger response. But restraint is the better course of action.
‘How ISIS Spread in the Middle East’: The Response
It’s Sunnis who ultimately hold the key to defeating the Islamic State.
The Hidden Danger of Safe Zones in Syria
David Ignatius calls for creating protected areas to save civilians from Assad and ISIS. But that may put the vulnerable at even greater risk.
A Syria-First Strategy for Defeating ISIS
Protecting civilians from Assad is the first step toward the settlement David Ignatius deems essential.
Is There a Sunni Solution to ISIS?
David Ignatius calls for reconciliation among Iraqi Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds. But this oversimplifies the bargain that needs to be struck.
How ISIS Spread in the Middle East
And how to stop it