Obama marches on with coalition against islamic state
You're referring to the military intervention against the Islamic State (ISIS) during the presidency of Barack Obama.
In August 2014, the Obama administration launched a military campaign against ISIS, which had seized large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria and was committing atrocities against civilians. The campaign, known as Operation Inherent Resolve, was a coalition effort involving the United States and several other countries.
The coalition's goals were to:
- Disrupt and degrade ISIS's ability to project power and conduct terrorist attacks.
- Protect civilians and prevent humanitarian crises.
- Support the Iraqi government and Kurdish forces in their efforts to retake territory from ISIS.
The coalition conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria, and also provided training and equipment to Iraqi and Kurdish forces. The campaign was led by the United States, with support from countries such as:
- Arab states: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
- European countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
- Other countries: Australia, Poland, and Turkey.
The campaign was successful in several ways:
- ISIS lost significant territory in Iraq and Syria, including its de facto capital, Mosul.
- The group's leadership was weakened, and many of its top leaders were killed or captured.
- The coalition's airstrikes and ground operations helped to prevent humanitarian crises and protect civilians.
However, the campaign also faced challenges and controversies, including:
- Concerns about civilian casualties and the impact of airstrikes on civilian infrastructure.
- Criticisms of the Obama administration's handling of the campaign, including allegations of inadequate planning and resources.
- The rise of new terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and the Islamic State in the Central African Republic (ISCAR).
Overall, the Obama administration's campaign against ISIS was a complex and challenging effort that involved a coalition of countries and required significant military and diplomatic resources. While the campaign was not without its flaws and controversies, it helped to weaken ISIS and prevent the group from spreading its influence further.