
The Problem With Vows to 'Defeat' the Islamic State
What happens after Raqqa falls?
What happens after Raqqa falls?
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.
That leaves patience, containment, and humanitarian aid as the least-bad policies while waiting for this awful war to play itself out.
And why stopping it requires that governments get out of the way
The Islamic State offers a false choice between dictatorship and extremism. Tunisia proves there’s a better way.
Jonathan Powell argues that talking to terrorists has brought peace in the past. But the Islamic State really is different.
Barry Posen rightly argues for a containment strategy. But just as important as what to do is what to avoid.
It’s not an alternative to fighting. It's necessary to do both.
The Paris attacks have naturally prompted calls for a stronger response. But restraint is the better course of action.
It’s Sunnis who ultimately hold the key to defeating the Islamic State.
David Ignatius calls for creating protected areas to save civilians from Assad and ISIS. But that may put the vulnerable at even greater risk.
Protecting civilians from Assad is the first step toward the settlement David Ignatius deems essential.
David Ignatius calls for reconciliation among Iraqi Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds. But this oversimplifies the bargain that needs to be struck.
And how to stop it