The Heat discusses US strategy in Iraq

The Heat

The Obama administration pledges more U.S. troops to help train and advise Iraqi forces the latest response to renewed violence from the Islamic State. Is this sound strategy or risky foreign policy?

It’s been about 10 months since a U.S.-led coalition launched air strikes in Iraq in an attempt to defeat the Islamic State. Despite significant ISIL losses, the militant group has gone on to conquer parts of Syria, and it remains a formidable force in much of Iraq. Just this month, U.S. President Barack Obama ordered 450 additional U.S. troops to Iraq at the request of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. These are not combat forces, but instead, they will be responsible for training, advising, and assisting the Iraqi military. Many believe U.S. and British involvement in the fight against ISIL only makes the group more determined. Others think the international community should be doing more.

The Heat began its discussion with the Iraqi Ambassador to the United States Lukman Faily.

Does the international community have the political clout to defeat the Islamic State, or does involvement from the West merely embolden the militants? The Heat continued this discussion with Peter Van Buren. He is a 24 year veteran of the U.S. State department.