Israeli Think Tank : Destruction Of ISIS Is A Strategic Mistake
http://besacenter.org/perspectives-papers/destruction-islamic-state-strategic-mistake/
".....It is true that IS has ignited immense passion among many young and frustrated Muslims all over the world, and the caliphate idea holds great appeal among believers. But the relevant question is what can IS do, particularly in its current situation? The terrorist activities for which it recently took responsibility were perpetrated mostly by lone wolves who declared their allegiance to IS; they were not directed from Raqqa. On its own, IS is capable of only limited damage.
A weak IS is, counterintuitively, preferable to a destroyed IS. IS is a magnet for radicalized Muslims in countries throughout the world. These volunteers are easier targets to identify, saving intelligence work. They acquire destructive skills in the fields of Syria and Iraq that are of undoubted concern if they return home, but some of them acquire shaheed status while still away - a blessing for their home countries. If IS is fully defeated, more of these people are likely to come home and cause trouble.
If IS loses control over its territory, the energies that went into protecting and governing a state will be directed toward organizing more terrorist attacks beyond its borders. The collapse of IS will produce a terrorist diaspora that might further radicalize Muslim immigrants in the West. Most counter-terrorism agencies understand this danger. Prolonging the life of IS probably assures the deaths of more Muslim extremists at the hands of other bad guys in the Middle East, and is likely to spare the West several terrorist attacks.
Moreover, a weak and lingering IS could undermine the attraction of the caliphate idea. A dysfunctional and embattled political entity is more conducive to the disillusionment of Muslim adherents of a caliphate in our times than an IS destroyed by a mighty America-led coalition. The latter scenario perfectly fits the narrative of continuous and perfidious efforts on the part of the West to destroy Islam, "
The Begin–Sadat Center for Strategic Studies ( BESA ) , is an Israeli think tank [1] that seeks to advance a "realist, conservative, Zionist agenda in the search for security and peace for Israel." [2] The center's mission is to contribute to promoting peace and security in the Middle East , through policy-oriented researches on national security in the Middle East. It is located near the Political Science department within Bar-Ilan University . The center was founded by Thomas Hecht, a Canadian Jewish leader, and was dedicated to Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat , who signed the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty , the first peace agreement ever signed between Israel and an Arab country.
"Moreover, instability and crises sometimes contain portents of positive change. Unfortunately, the Obama administration fails to see that its main enemy is Iran. The Obama administration has inflated the threat from IS in order to legitimize Iran as a “responsible” actor that will, supposedly, fight IS in the Middle East. This was part of the Obama administration’s rationale for its nuclear deal with Iran and central to its “legacy,” which is likely to be ill-remembered.
The American administration does not appear capable of recognizing the fact that IS can be a useful tool in undermining Tehran’s ambitious plan for domination of the Middle East."
Obama, or whoever the president is, cannot win. If they destroy ISIS they are helping Iran, if they don't, they are putting the populations of the West at risk.
Maybe Donald Trump will flip a coin and figure it all out in that fashion.
The opposite of the "Muslim Spring" is the Muslim Fall ...
and ?
When Muslims attack & kill each other in large numbers it is the advent of the Muslim Fall ...
Oh. Okay.
Do you have any comment about the seeded article?
Petey, you have expressed interest in this topic. Please continue.
How do we thread that needle, the destruction of ISIS so we can end terrorism in the west, but not complete destruction so that ISIS can remain a counterbalance to Iran?
Should we even desire such a course?
How can a US presidential administration win in that geopolitical environment?
The people want to be "safe" . What course makes us more safe?
When I read the article the idea arose in my head that the big problem was not IS, but Iran. Then when I read the first comment, there it was. I guess that was thinking with a "Jewish perspective", eh John? Or perhaps it was thinking not with a specific religious, but with a common sense unbiased perspective. Iran is known to be the biggest supporter of terrorism around the world, whether in Argentina or Beirut, and by supporting terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah or Hamas. How America can possibly trust that regime is beyond me. They have NOT signed the "deal" and they have continuously harassed the USA in International waters. Their Revolutionary Guard has declared that America is the enemy, and the words "Death to America" is on the tongue of the Iranian people, the Stars and Stripes flag-burners.
The big problem is how to deal with it - what to do about it. Perhaps just admitting that Iran is the problem is a first step. Netanyahu is not a stupid man - and he has been aware of this problem from the beginning, especially since Iran is the greatest threat to Israel. Surrounding Arab states see Iran as a problem, so what does the USA gain by playing footsies with Iran?
The article is about ISIS (and Iran).
You agree then that in order to focus on Iran we should let ISIS remain in place?
I don't appreciate having words put into my mouth. You can create your own opinions, but don't allude to what mine should be.
It's a yes or no question Buzz, then you can elaborate.
I don't respond to double-barrelled questions that suggest the answer.
I guess no one can answer the question posed in this article. You should all stop criticizing the US and other western governments then.
I guess you ignored this:
"Perhaps just admitting that Iran is the problem is a first step."
Why is Iran the problem and not ISIS?
In America, ISIS is the problem most people think about first.