On whose behalf are the United States conducting airstrikes in Syria and why are the strikes concentrated to Ayn al-Arab (Kobani)? United States intentions in Syria are decidedly more topical than ever. After 790 U.S. airstrikes, rather than focusing on the front lines, the bombing campaign has been focused to specific areas at the heart of ISIS controlled territory. Instead of deterring the radical group, U.S. led airstrikes against them have accomplished two things: they have increased ISIS recruitment and doubled the groups territorial control while at the same time have destroyed and degraded Syria’s infrastructure. At least one-third of the country’s territory is now under ISIS influence, with recent gains in rural areas that can serve as a conduit to major cities that the so-called Islamic State hopes to eventually claim as part of its caliphate. Meanwhile, the Islamic extremist group does not appear to have suffered any major ground losses since the strikes began. The result is a net ground gain for ISIS. Even U.S. military officials privately conceded to The Daily Beast that ISIS has gained ground in some areas, even as the Pentagon claims its seized territory elsewhere, largely around the northern city of Kobani. That’s been the focus of the U.S.-led campaign, and ISIS has not been able to take the town, despite its best efforts.
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 11:38:04 +0000
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