POTUS and Congress are failing the American people

A year ago, POTUS said his strategy was to “degrade and ultimately destroy” ISIL (ISIS). Just three days ago, POTUS stated, “From the start, our goal has been first to contain them, and we have contained them.” This seems to me to be a dramatic change in strategy. In the aftermath of the preplanned and determined attacks in Paris on Friday, his statement is being justifiably criticized. On the 15 November Sunday talk shows, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes said, "We absolutely agree that this was an act of war by ISIL." Over the past year-plus, in the view of this retired military officer, POTUS and Congress have failed in their responsibilities regarding this war.

POTUS and his Executive Branch have failed to recognize and react to international and national security concerns associated with the war against ISIL (ISIS), if we are indeed at war.  For example, no war has ever been won by air power alone.  On July 6, POTUS proclaimed, "Our coalition has now hit ISIL with more than 5,000 airstrikes.  We’ve taken out thousands of fighting positions, tanks, vehicles, bomb factories, and training camps."  His statement needs to be put into context for an accurate understanding.  During the 43 day air campaign in Operation Desert Storm, 109,876 combat sorties, or an average of 2,555 per day, were flown (source: www.u-shistory.com).  Even after that air campaign, we launched a ground offensive.  In the nearly year and one-half of Obama's air campaign against ISIL (ISIS), the 5,000 sorties he noted amount to less than ten strikes per day.  Not exactly an overwhelming use of military power.  It seems to match Secretary of State Kerry's September 2013 description of the plan for the ill-fated air campaign in Syria, when he said, “That is exactly what we’re talking about doing — unbelievably small, limited kind of effort.”  Even Senator Diane Feinstein sees the current strategy is failing, stating, "It has become clear that limited air strikes and support for Iraqi forces and the Syrian opposition are not sufficient to protect our country and our allies." 

We are either at war with ISIL (ISIS) or we are not.  Stating we are at war with ISIL (ISIS) and not forcibly and comprehensively engaging the enemy with all forms of military, as well as other, power is folly.  Putting American lives at risk in combat without a determination to win the war is criminal.  (Make no mistake, Mr. President, those aircrew, special operators, and others engaged in your even less than half-hearted effort against ISIL (ISIS) are at war.)  

Obama's containment strategy implemented by less than ten combat sorties per day; an occasional drone strike killing of notable figures, like Jihadi John; occasional rescue operations, one leading to the death of a U.S. soldier; 50 special operators assigned to the fight (we sent more troops to battle the Ebola outbreak); and supporting allies may provide disjointed tactical success and good PR and political sound bites, but they are woefully inadequate in a war.  The recent attacks in Paris irrefutably underscore the failure of this containment strategy.  Congress enabling this failed strategy is equally criminal.

Congress has the sole authority for providing funding, including that for our military.  In passing Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMF), Congress has only partially fulfilled its constitutional responsibilities.  Seeing the failed strategy of the Obama Administration in this war on ISIL (ISIS), Congress is obligated to use its power.  How can this be done, when so many errors compound one upon the other?  Sequestration brought about by abysmal expenditures exceeding revenues.  Voting to draw down the military at a time when the existential threat posed by ISIL (ISIS) is so very real.  Irresponsibly enacting costly domestic legislation that drags on the economy.  Then puffing out one's collective chests stating they have to "support the troops."  Damn right the troops need to be supported, but by corralling the ill conceived and ill executed Obama strategy.  Cut off the funding for combat operations (except for force protection) until or unless the executive branch provides Congress with a comprehensive and convincing strategy to actually defeat, not contain, ISIL (ISIL).  And this strategy can not be made public, as all politicians are prone to do.  If we are in a war, we must fight to win.  

As Sunday fades, both POTUS and Congress are failing the American people.  When ISIL (ISIS) attacks on American soil, it will be too late.  Tragically, it is not a matter of if the attacks will come, but only when and where.  Absent dramatic action by Congress and POTUS, we will see Americans killed.  Regardless of the political season, Congress has a larger responsibility to the American people.  Regardless of the past, POTUS has a responsibility to the American people.  That responsibility is to provide for the security of the nation.