[icopyright one button toolbar]
At a Pentagon news conference today, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey , said the ISIL terror group has an “apocalyptic, end-of-days” vision that eventually must be defeated, not only in Iraq but in Syria as well.
Referring to ISIL as ISIS because such highlights the terrorists’ long-term goal of establishing the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, Dempsey explains “Al-Sham includes Lebanon, the current state of Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Syria and Kuwait…If they were to achieve that vision, it would fundamentally alter the face of the Middle East and create a security environment that would certainly threaten us in many ways.”
Defeating ISIS “requires a variety of instruments — one of which is airstrikes,” Dempsey said, adding, “I’m not predicting those will occur in Syria — at least not by the United States of America. But it requires the application of all the tools of national power, diplomatic, economic, information, and military.”
Read more of what Dempsey had to say here.
Echoing and supporting Dempsey’s words, Secretary of Defense Hagel, at the same news conference, acknowledged that U.S. airstrikes and military assistance to Iraqi and Kurdish security forces have stalled the advance of ISIL around Irbil and have especially helped the Iraqis retake and hold the Mosul Dam.
Referring to the crisis on Mount Sinjar, he said “The United States led an international effort to address the humanitarian crisis that unfolded at Mount Sinjar…As there continues to be an acute humanitarian need elsewhere in Iraq, the U.S. appreciates the partnership of the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy and Australia and the United Nations in helping provide relief. I expect more nations to step forward with more assistance in the weeks ahead.”
But, like Dempsey, he cautioned:
We are pursuing a long-term strategy against ISIL because ISIL clearly poses a long-term threat. We should expect ISIL to regroup and stage new offenses.
.
And the U.S. military’s involvement is not over. President Obama has been very clear on this point. Our objectives remain clear and limited — to protect American citizens and facilities, to provide assistance to Iraqi forces as they confront ISIL, and to join with international partners to address the humanitarian crisis.
He also emphasized:
But addressing the threat posed by ISIL to the future of Iraq requires political reform in Iraq. The country’s peaceful transition of power last week was important, and the United States will continue urging Iraq’s new prime minister to establish an inclusive government that is responsive to the needs of all Iraq’s citizens. A united Iraq will be a more secure and prosperous Iraq.
.
Political reform will make it harder for ISIL to exploit sectarian divisions. The United States and the international community will increase support for Iraq in tandem with political progress
The Secretary also addressed the “savage” murder of journalist Jim Foley and offered his deepest condolences and sympathy to Foley’s family. “Jim Foley’s murder was another tragic demonstration of the ruthless, barbaric ideology of ISIL. ISIL militants continue to massacre and enslave innocent people and persecute Iraq’s Sunni, Shia and Kurdish and minority populations,” he said.
Read more here
Lead Photo: Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, brief reporters at the Pentagon, Aug. 21, 2014. DOD.
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.