An Assessment of Obama’s Strategy in Iraq

Iraq is caught in the midst of a political, military, and humanitarian crisis. ISIS has routed Iraqi and Kurdish forces, captured vital infrastructure, and left a wake of death and destruction across the north. Instability within Iraqi government also increases. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has ordered Iraqi military forces to seize government buildings, in response to parliamentary demands for him to step down, over his handling of the ISIS insurgency crisis. This power struggle could lead to the complete collapse of the Iraqi government, complicating U.S. support efforts in the region. With ISIS forces now spreading into Syria and Lebanon, an assessment of President Obama’s strategy in Iraq is necessary. Has the U.S. response been sufficient in addressing the threat thus far? What interests does the U.S. have in the region, and do they merit increased U.S involvement? What should be the President’s strategy going forward? Join us as our guest experts address these pressing questions.