What was the U.S. response to the threat of ISIS?

The U.S. response to the threat of ISIS was characterized by the strategy of using air power combined with training local forces. This approach aimed to minimize the risks associated with deploying large numbers of U.S. ground troops in combat situations, which was a significant concern following the experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead, the U.S. utilized airstrikes to target ISIS positions and infrastructure, while simultaneously working to enhance the capabilities of local militias and the Iraqi military. This strategy was designed to empower regional forces to take the lead in fighting ISIS, thus promoting a more sustainable solution to the conflict while limiting direct American military involvement.

In contrast to deploying ground troops, which could escalate U.S. involvement in the region, or relying solely on diplomacy through peace treaties, the strategy focused on a tactical combination of military engagement and support for local entities. Increasing military aid to Syria was part of the broader strategy, but the most significant emphasis was on air support and training efforts that directly targeted ISIS’s operational capabilities.