Islamic State: The problem is horrifically complex, the potential solutions are painful and dangerous.

If West cannot live with Islamic State, it must do all that's needed to defeat it on the ground

by Frederick W. Kagan

Is the West willing to live with the Islamic State governing and raising armies in the heart of the Middle East? 

The question is not rhetorical. It is fundamental. 

If the answer is "no," then we must do what is needed to defeat the Islamic State in both Iraq and Syria. 

The Islamic State has the resources of two cities, including technical elites, cash, radioactive material seized from research facilities in Mosul, and multiple oil fields. 

It was expelled from al Qaeda for being too aggressive.

It has threatened the US and the West. 

Hundreds of European and American fighters have flowed through its ranks. 

Left alone, it will attack both Europe and the US and will be able to hurt us badly.

Read more: www.telegraph.co.uk

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