It’s good news that they’re having an effect already but, of course, they’re not enough to defeat ISIS. Retired U.S. Army Gen. Carter Ham basically says as much.
Via The Hill:
Retired U.S. Army Gen. Carter Ham said on Sunday that targeted airstrikes in Iraq have given “pause” to Islamic extremists, but it will be difficult to respond more effectively without ground forces.
“I think the initial strikes are already having some effects,” Ham told ABC’s “This Week.”
“It appears to at least given pause to the Islamic extremists as they seek to advance toward Erbil and other cities. But much more effort will be required to achieve a positive outcome longer term,” Ham said.The president has ruled out sending in U.S. combat forces into Iraq, but his level of support for the Kurdish regional government and armed forces and a new long-term government remains to be seen, Ham said.