by David Ignatius

Summary

How can President Barack Obama provide limited military support on the ground to help “degrade and ultimately destroy” ISIS without formally violating his pledge not to send U.S. combat troops?

Talking with U.S. and foreign military experts over the past week, I’ve heard two consistent themes: First, the campaign against ISIS will require close-in American training and assistance for ground forces, in addition to U.S. air power; and, second, the best way to provide this assistance may be under the command of the Ground Branch of the CIA’s Special Activities Division, which traditionally oversees such paramilitary operations.

The head of Iraqi intelligence, Gen. Mohammad Shahwani, also recruited an irregular Sunni force, which came to be known as the “Shahwani Brigades”. These Sunni commandos fought with the U.S. Marines in the battle of Fallujah in late 2004 .

The decisive issue is whether these U.S. special forces should be embedded with the Iraqi and Syrian forces they train – and accompany them into battle, where they can coordinate tactics and call in air support.

Let’s be honest: U.S. boots are already on the ground, and more are coming.

Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Opinion/Columnist/2014/Sep-18/271029-us-boots-are-already-on-the-ground-against-isis.ashx#ixzz3DqBjLftg
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)