A Strategy to Defeat The Islamic State
September 12, 2014 - Kimberly Kagan![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/Sublevel-slider_0_0.png?itok=GmjvP_2I)
The Islamic State poses a grave danger to the United States and its allies in the Middle East and around the world. Reports that it is not currently planning an attack against the American homeland are little comfort. Its location, the resources it controls, the skill and determination of its leaders and fighters, and its demonstrated lethality distinguish it from other al-Qaeda-like groups. Its ability to offer safe-haven and support to terrorists planning attacks against us is beyond any terrorist threat we have ever seen.