ISIS Primer

[Kraven251]

Once again we are fighting an enemy we do not fully understand with a command structure that cannot make the decisions to defeat them.

[HoneyBadger]

Once again we are fighting an enemy we do not fully understand with a command structure that cannot make the decisions to defeat them.

Well, Putin did say yesterday that he could put nuclear warheads on cruise missiles against ISIS, but hoped that it would never be necessary.

[KestrelBike]

Me too. Wanted to grab it before it's scrubbed to protect the politicians who funded/trained/empowered ISIS.
In my past readings I came to realize these are both strengths and make ISIS unique. I'll review this in detail over the weekend when I have time.
Other terrorist groups directly attack a superior enemy in a fight they can never win in the long term. They score short term success and shock (9/11) but ultimately fail because they are outmatched and without a significant base of support (Saudis can only write so many checks before it gets too obvious). ISIS is focusing on resources and recruitment while taking on fights they can win. They still hate Israel and the US but are primarily dedicated to establishing the "state" with it's own economy and infrastructure.
This never was a JV team.

As long as the US views the ME as an important and irreplaceable source of energy resources (current US resource/production capabilities notwithstanding), I don't think there's any limit to the check-writing SA or even Iran (in this administration) can get away with.
One could have thought the same thing with the Taliban at the start of OEF, then looked on in bewilderment as the US gov increasingly began to acquiesce/coordinate/oblige the Taliban government in attempts to get peaceful conditions in Afghanistan. If one or some of the ME states decide to recognize ISIS as a group of hooligans that started with a bloody past, but have matured and now offer "stability", then I wouldn't be shocked if the US became complacent and was not willing to do what it took to stop that from happening.

Well, Putin did say yesterday that he could put nuclear warheads on cruise missiles against ISIS, but hoped that it would never be necessary.

Putin's troll-level is legendary. The worrying part is not being quite so sure that he's bluffing.