Introduction
Introduction
Since emerging out of the conflicts in the Middle East, the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) has become the leading instigator of global terrorism, including deadly bombings in Brussels and Paris. ISIS proclaims devotion to a radical version of Islam, and it has imposed a brutal dictatorship in areas it controls in Syria and Iraq. It also has initiated or inspired terrorist attacks in places as far-flung as Indonesia and California. The United States and a coalition of nations have committed themselves to defeating ISIS. However, the Islamic State has proven more resilient than many predicted, leading to a contentious debate over strategy. Some political leaders are calling for an increased U.S. military effort, including use of ground troops. Others believe the approach would increase ISIS' ...