ISIS Primer

[OtterbatHellcat]

Didn't work for me, Roberth.

[HoneyBadger]

Good info. Thanks for sharing.
Edit: Just finished digesting all 101 slides. This is a complicated situation (obviously). It doesn't seem that the US is really a prime concern for ISIS right now. They seem to be primarily concerned with "local" growth and conquering, but it seems that the infrastructure and logistical chains are weak to nonexistent and a major (perhaps unconventional) economic or logistical attack may be the best way to limit their growth and strength (assuming that our involvement, is in fact, the best course of action at this point). If so, I think we ought to start by targeting every single one of their oil wells with a JDAM to cut their cash flow, and disrupt their logistics chains at every opportunity. Yes, blow up every highway and bridge in any area that is controlled by ISIS. They find glory in death, but every human understands that there is very little glory to be found in starving while sitting sleeplessly frustrated and confused at the contradictions of your newly assumed ideology.

[Skip]

Once I finally got it open I saved a PDF copy for future reference.

Me too. Wanted to grab it before it's scrubbed to protect the politicians who funded/trained/empowered ISIS.

[snip]

This is a complicated situation (obviously). It doesn't seem that the US is really a prime concern for ISIS right now. They seem to be primarily concerned with "local" growth and conquering, but it seems that the infrastructure and logistical chains are weak to nonexistent and a major (perhaps unconventional) economic or logistical attack may be the best way to limit their growth and strength (assuming that our involvement, is in fact, the best course of action at this point).

[snip]

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.

[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.

[JohnnyDrama]

I haven't taken the time to vet any of this data.

Caution - Contains Photographs of Dead People and their Heads

https://www.dropbox.com/s/070uaqdf8s...02015.pdf?dl=0

It also contains pictures of kittens and Nutella.

Thanks for the link. It is very interesting. Should be required reading. For everyone.

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

This occurred to me while sitting in a terrorism counteraction class in the mid 80s. After the Marine Barracks attack in 82 it dawned on me that our strategies were geared to defeating an enemy who had an instinct toward self preservation. These guys see their lives as forfeit, redeemable only upon martyrdom.

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.

Too many politicians involved in the process. On both sides.

[BushMasterBoy]

US politician created catastrophe. Saddam created a fairly stable Iraq. US has Saddam killed. Military Industrial-Banking complex made lots of money. Average US Joe Citizen gets cheap petro products. Don't worry-Be Happy! Smile!

[asmo]

That file seems fishy to me. Suggest you make sure your AV is up to date on any machine you view that with.

Maybe nothing, but from my phone the file header is all wrong.

[Wulf202]

Cant open it