White House official: 'We're not going to be restricted by borders' in fight against ISIS
In the wake of American journalist James Foley's execution at the hands of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a senior White House official said the United States is "not going to be restricted by borders" in its fight against the extremist group. Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser, spoke on Friday from Martha's Vineyard, where President Barack Obama is on vacation, The Associated Press notes.
Rhodes described Foley's killing as "an attack on our country," and said the Obama administration was "actively considering what's going to be necessary to deal with that threat."
Politicians from both sides of the aisle have pointed out that any attempts to defeat ISIS will require operations in Syria, which neighbors Iraq. The concern is that even if the U.S. airstrikes against the Islamic extremist group weaken their holdings in parts of Iraq, they will be able to move back to strongholds in Syria, regroup, then move forward again.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"Can they be defeated without addressing that part of their organization which resides in Syria?" Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, asked on Thursday. "The answer is no…That (sanctuary) will have to be addressed on both sides of what is essentially at this point a nonexistent border."
The discussion comes at the same time as the United Nations' human rights office released a new report on the death toll in Syria's ongoing civil war — which the U.N. says has doubled to more than 191,000 in the past year. Navi Pillay, the U.N.'s human rights high commissioner, criticized Western nations for their lack of intervention in the conflict, saying it has "empowered and emboldened" fighters.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sarah Eberspacher is an associate editor at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked as a sports reporter at The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and The Arizona Republic. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.
-
Today's political cartoons - April 21, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - devilish decrees, biblical blunders, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 carefully selected cartoons about the Trump-Daniels jury selection process
Cartoons Artists take on a stress-free life, rare peers, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Loire Valley Lodges review: sleep, feast and revive in treetop luxury
The Week Recommends Forest hideaway offers chance to relax and reset in Michelin key-winning comfort
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostages
Speed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 years
Speed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak visits Kyiv to announce £2.5 billion in military support for Ukraine
Speed Read Surprise trip comes amid increased Russian bombardment and escalation of Middle East crisis
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Israel preparing to flood Hamas tunnels with seawater
Speed Read IDF pumps could drive out terrorists but critics warn of danger to hostages and Gaza water supply
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacks
speed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages released
Speed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'
Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
By The Week UK Published