Davis: Fighting ISIS a Net Loss to America

Iraqi Federal Police attached to the 1st Battalion conduct a class on squad tactics at the Besmaya Range Complex, Iraq, Feb., 8, 2018. (U.S Army photo by Spc. Antonio Lewis)

Daniel L. Davis, writing in The National Interest explains that, despite burning billions (possibly trillions) of dollars and losing precious American lives in Syria and Iraq fighting ISIS, there have been no tangible benefits. When combining gains and losses, Davis reports, the Syrian adventure has proved a net negative to the American people. He writes (abridged):

Though Washington helped liberate Mosul and Raqqa, the terror threat to the United States that the Islamic State poses is virtually unchanged. The group’s leaders simply moved underground to continue operating. In other words, the United States has expended enormous resources and sacrificed many of its service members to a mission that has resulted in a net loss to America.

Instead of trying desperately to remain in Iraq and Syria to perpetuate these failures, it is time for the interests of America to be considered first. Washington must wind down its combat missions in the Middle East, redeploy its troops to their home bases, and begin the process of rebuilding the ability of America’s Armed Forces to face potentially existential fights in the future.