ISIS: Is it really a threat to the U.S.?

CNN ^ | 08/19/2014 | By Peter Bergen and David Sterman

[SeekAndFind]

U.S. officials are claiming that the terrorist group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, is "now a credible alternative to al Qaeda."

But what does that really mean in terms of ISIS' potential threat to the United States? After all, al Qaeda hasn't pulled off a successful attack in the States since 9/11, or indeed anywhere in the West since the London transportation bombings in 2005.

This month, Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, criticized the airstrikes in Iraq ordered by President Barack Obama directed at ISIS as too limited, telling CNN's Candy Crowley, "That is simply a very narrow and focused approach to a problem which is metastasizing as we speak. Candy, there was a guy a month ago that was in Syria, went back to the United States, came back and blew himself up. We're tracking 100 Americans who are over there now fighting for ISIS. ISIS is attracting extreme elements from all over the world, much less the Arab world. And what have we done?"

The case McCain alluded to was that of Moner Mohammad Abu-Salha, who grew up in Vero Beach, Florida, and who conducted a suicide bombing in Syria in May on behalf of the Nusra Front, al Qaeda's Syrian affiliate. According to The New York Times, Abu-Salha had returned to the United States after being trained by Nusra and then went back to Syria to conduct the suicide operation in which he died.

McCain asserted on CNN that 100 Americans were fighting with ISIS. In fact, according to U.S. officials, 100 is the total number of Americans believed to have fought or attempted to have fought with any of the many Syrian insurgent groups, some of which are more militant than others, and some of which are even aligned with the United States.

[Veto!]

What an idiot. The writer needs to get a clue about ISIS, for example, their beheading of a fellow journalist:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/19/james-foley-executed-isis_n_5692695.html

[grania]

Just when ya' think the media can't get any crazier, they ask if ISIS is a threat to the US.

ISIS has raised the bar for disgusting end-of-civilization behavior. Even if they don't get into the US (and they will) their tactics will.

[PghBaldy]

The article is timed badly, considering the news today.

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Even if they don’t get into the US (and they will) their tactics will.

They are HERE. Sleeper cells are everywhere waiting to be aroused.

Hundreds of fighters in Syria and Iraq are from the USA. How many more are in this country?

[Jane Long]

Is ISIS really a threat to the U.S.?

Gee, I don’t know, Peter and David. Why don’t you ask the family of James Foley?

[BenLurkin]

Are the Black Muslims inciting riots in Missouri?

[caww]

In Fergunson CNN's Jake Tapper walks with protesters down the street.... Behind him is an ISIS banner ...just another thug trying to get attention and part of the circus there. But does show the idiot mentality our country has to contend with

[TexasGator]

“Are the Black Muslims inciting riots in Missouri?”

Black and White communists

[colorado tanker]

If Isis gets its hands on Northern Iraq oil, it will have unlimited funds. Yes, it would be a threat for attacks on our soil. The jihadis would drop Al Qaeda and flock to it.

[INVAR]

ISIS is the genesis of the Beast we read about in biblical prophecy.

It is ALREADY a threat to us as it will be to the whole world because the world is worshipping the Dragon whom is giving power to the Beast that it can conquer the world.

One day the world soon will say “Who is like the Beast, and who can possibly make war against it?” (Rev. 13:4)

[LeoWindhorse]

The USA needs to totally eradicate ISIS

100% - no remainder

[rintense]

They just beheaded an American journalist and directly dared President Obama to keep bombing as they held ANOTHER American in line for beheading.

You're damn right the threat is real.

[BenLurkin]

“ISIS HERE” Islamic Flag Flashed During Ferguson CNN Report (Video)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3194538/posts

[SECURE AMERICA]

If it is islam it is a threat to America and the world. Period.
Do not allow the media to side track you with variuos terrorist group names and use of moderate and militant when reporting on islam. It is a death cult set on destruction of civilization.

[Paladin2]

Yes, but Bammy is not the only one to blame.

It goes way beyond Juan McLame.

[grania]

That picture is as appalling as McCain buddying up with the "friendly rebels" that morphed into ISIS in Syria.

I've posted on a few threads that the forecast is for the temperature to be in the mid and upper 90s in St. Louis the next four days. If I were anywhere near there and could do so, I'd leave.

[The Great RJ]

ISIS is bigger threat than al Qaeda. They are better funded, have succeeded in recruiting more foreign nationals as terrorists many of whom could enter the US without problem and we have President who sees no threat and has allowed our borders to bleed. I fully expect to see terror attacks at malls, schools and hospitals in the US.

[Kartographer]

We are HERE!!

[windcliff]

9-11 is coming up.