Middle East
The U.S. military must increase its involvement in Iraq and Syria to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Such an escalation is all the more urgent in light of Russia’s intensified operations in Syria.
Iran is entering a period of rapprochement with major world powers that could exacerbate insecurity in the Middle East. To avoid aggravating regional tensions, President Rouhani’s administration must refrain from adventurist policies and re-engage with Iran’s neighbors.
Saudi Arabia risks undermining regional security and alienating key allies without a more sustainable policy toward Yemen.
Through a combination of hard and soft power, the United States must pressure the Iraqi government to mend sectarian divides in order to counter ISIS and other extremist groups in the long run.
Although violent, ISIS’s attacks on minorities and cultural icons are not senseless—they are calculated attempts to challenge competing identities.
