Journal 2

My second article that I researched is President Obama’s Address to the Nation on United States Strategy To Combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Terrorist Organization (ISIL). Obama presented the issues in the beginning of this article, including what the ISIL is and how this terrorist group is threatening not only the United States but also forcing millions from their homelands in the Middle East. Obama explained a four part plan that the US Military is taking part in to prevent the ISIL from advancing any further. Obama’s hope is that, with the help of other allie countries, we can stop the ISIL and prevent terrorists attacks. Obama claims that the ISIL have made threats towards the United States, and this is one of his main reasons for sending troops into the area as a guard to protect this country. However, Obama states that it is America’s job as a powerhouse to protect innocent people from being forced from their homes, along with several mass murders, rapes, and enslavement. The first step America will take is that airstrikes will be launched against the ISIL. Second, America will provide more support to those fighting the ISIL on the ground. Obama has announced that no American military member will be fighting on the forefront. We will simply help with training and providing equipment and intelligence. We are going to help the Iraqi government set up units that the Sunni communities can go to as they are forced from their homelands. Third, America is going to draw on the United Nations to get more support and troops to help this cause. Finally,, we are going to provide relief to the innocent people who have been forced out of their homes. Obama believes that these innocent people are counting on the United States to help them, as American leadership is the strongest of any other country.

This source is not necessarily responding to my first article because the first article was simply an overview of the ISIL. Obama has made it clear that it is our duty to be in the Middle East during this crisis. He has told the people of the United States his four step plan to stop the ISIL from advancing, reminding the people that no group will make terrorist threats towards our country without retaliation. One could argue that although Obama informs the United States that it is our responsibly, as the leader of the world, to protect the innocent people in Iraq and Syria, he fails to mention the names of other countries providing help to this situation.

After reading this article, I have come to a better understanding of why America has become involved in defeating the ISIL. I have become informed that the ISIL has beheaded two America journalists, which instantly caught my attention because I did not know that any Americans had been affected until reading that. The ISIL has executed prisoners, killed children, raped, enslaved, and forced women into marriage, along with forcing several religious minorities from their homes. Obama states, “We have not yet detected specific plotting against our homeland.” My argument here is that although the ISIL is a serious terrorist group, why should America get involved if there has not been a specific threat towards our country. I have, however, formed an alternate opinion as two American citizens have been murdered by this group in the Middle East. I argue, however, that America should pull all citizens from this area to avoid citizens from being captured and thus eventually killed. Obama speaks of all the hardships these people are going through in Iraq and Syria, but what about all of the American people here in the United States that are suffering from poverty or rape or being forced into drug cartel business? Instead of trying to fix a problem overseas, the American government should focus first on improving the lives of our own people. I saw this issue in a new way, however, when Obama informed me that no US troop is fighting on the ground. America provides training and support to the Iraqi government and military, but Obama has made it clear that no US military member is fighting on the front line. I think that Obama’s four step plan could work if all things go as planned. If we are not able to stop the ISIL soon, I do argue that this group will plan a specific terrorist attack against the United States to show that they want us out of the Middle East. I agree that no group of people should suffer from a terrorist group, and I think that America should try to help these people in some way, especially in providing relief, but not necessary sending our own troops. Also, Obama never mentions specific countries that are helping our efforts. He tells of the plans to try and get others involved, but how can he guarantee that these countries will join in and help destroy the ISIL. My view has changed in that I know am informed of America’s plans to destroy the ISIL, but I am not convinced that this plan will work nor am I convinced that America should have our own troops over in this area right now.

This article brings a new light to an important area of research. My first question is what other specific countries are getting involved to fight the ISIL. I think this is an important aspect to research because I do not think America can defeat the ISIL by ourself. I am reconsidering American involvement, however, as I know now that none of our troops are fighting directly on the ground against this terrorist group. I also want to research what the airstrikes are doing to destroy areas of ISIL rule because this will show if these strikes are beneficial or just a waste of money and time. As this terrorist group is basically starting a genocide, I think it is important that other countries are involved, especially those who have gone through genocides themselves and have defeated their terrorist rulers. I am going to have to get more specific with my topic question as there are many different aspects of this issue, but I need to research more basic information before I can narrow in on one specific thing to focus on.