Public Comment

The battle against the militant group ISIS has started off badly. According to Human Rights Watch, Iraq has been accused of indiscriminately bombing Sunni areas. 31 civilians, including 24 children died when a school was bombed – no Islamic fighters were around the school site. The grotesque beheading of several western reporters has invoked seething anger and desire for revenge. Inexplicably, President Obama has proposed a bombing campaign devoid of any serious diplomatic efforts.  

We should first follow the Hippocratic Oath and do no harm. Boots on the ground are fast multiplying. There are currently about 1,500; there will be close to 1,800 very soon and more and more ‘guns for hire’ contractors are reaching out for their boots. A much greater diplomatic effort is needed including the active participation of Iran which has enormous influence on Iraq. This effort should be directed at forming a much greater inclusive government blunting Sunni support for ISIS.  

We should stop beating Putin like a Piñata and extend our diplomatic efforts by seeking Russia’s help in bringing about a cessation of hostilities in Syria. This would have the added benefit of reducing tensions in Ukraine if we can assure Russia that NATO won’t be extended to their front door threatening their security. A tight arms embargo should be imposed on the conflict zones because who we perceive as friends could very quickly become foes. Finally, we should stop the private funding of ISIS, which according to “WikiLeaks” comes mainly from private wealthy Saudi donors.