WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement after President Obama’s speech about the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL):
“The president’s speech was a sharp, welcome reversal to his previous comments on foreign policy. He has finally grasped the true nature of the threat that ISIL poses, and his response to begin the process of taking down this so-called caliphate is welcome news.
“The president incorporated in his speech many of the elements I have called for and that are necessary to achieve success. One is pursuing ISIL forces wherever they are, rather than his previous policy of using force only in Iraq. Also, the president’s call for coalition building is essential, but it is critical that moderate Muslim states play a significant role in this effort.
“The president’s plan seemed to limit ground forces to the Iraqi Army and Syrian Free Army, both of which have not shown that they can match up to ISIL. The key here is to be resolute in doing what is necessary to defeat to ISIL. The president’s reference to using the same strategy we are using in Yemen and Somalia must be put in the context of the limited success we are having in these countries.
“The American people need to understand that if we are to be successful, we are in for a long and protracted effort that will require a resolute commitment from the United States. The region and the world are looking to America and to President Obama for leadership.”
