RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE NEW POLICY BRIEF ADMINISTRATION A Strategy Toward Defeating ISIS

Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian, Director, Baker Institute for Public Policy

The Islamic State is a threat to every We must understand that this is a country in the Middle East and to the struggle between the forces of moderation international community at large. With and extremism primarily within the this common enemy, a coherent strategy Muslim world of some 1.6 billion people. and international coalition must contain It is a struggle of ideas on what and destroy ISIS’ command structure as constitutes the true face of Islam and a terrorist organization that occupies Muslim society. ISIS and other radical territory in Syria and Iraq, and that has groups seek to establish themselves as proven its capacity for terrorist attacks credible participants in this debate. internationally. However, a successful The United States and international campaign against ISIS is far from community cannot determine the guaranteed and will require a better outcome of this struggle, but can try to understanding of radical jihadist groups support whatever forces of moderation and a balanced strategy that applies exist in these countries and societies to post-9/11 lessons to counter them. This help further marginalize the extremists. international coalition must be one in We should learn from history that which every member is committed to Western involvement and intervention contribute effectively to the goal with in the Middle East has had some long- The key elements of a political, economic, intelligence, and term negative consequences. Therefore, coherent strategy for military support. It cannot be in name only we must address the current challenge defeating ISIS would and for the half-hearted. intelligently. The deficits in the region are well known: the lack of real political involve both a nearer- participation, faulty educational systems, term coordinated DEFINING A STRATEGY deficient economies, systemic corruption, counterterrorism high rates of youth unemployment, and policy with a military The key elements of a coherent strategy human rights abuses. It is the primary for defeating ISIS would involve both a responsibility of the region’s countries component and a nearer-term coordinated counterterrorism and societies to address such issues longer-term geopolitical policy with a military component and by ending civil and sectarian conflicts approach to address the a longer-term geopolitical approach to and establishing credible and efficient underlying causes of address the underlying causes of radical governance. Accordingly, our approach jihadism in the broader Middle East. In should be based on a true understanding radical jihadism in the this latter respect, U.S. strategy should of the forces at play in the region and a broader Middle East. consider the geopolitical effects of the clear definition of what we support and struggle against ISIS, including the role of oppose. The United States should take the Iran and Russia and the situation of failing lead in this international effort. states in the region. A basic statement that would frame a strategic approach to the challenge of extremism could be as follows: RICE UNIVERSITY’S BAKER INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY // POLICY BRIEF

We differ with those who—whatever their religion—practice terrorism, resort BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS, TAKING to violence, reject the peaceful resolution ACTION of conflicts, oppress minorities, preach To reach a political settlement in Syria is a intolerance, disdain political pluralism, or daunting challenge given the specific and violate internationally accepted standards differing political interests of the players regarding human rights. Simply stated, inside and outside of Syria. What is needed religion does not determine, positively is a deeper understanding of the domestic or negatively, the nature of our relations and international parties involved in Syria— This policy brief is with other countries. Our quarrel is with part of a series of their interests, motivations, strengths, and extremism per se, and the violence, limitations—and an evaluation of where recommendations denial, intolerance, intimidation, coercion, they align with our own. The U.S. must from the Baker and terror that accompany it. be pragmatic in pursuing partnerships Institute for the Within the framework of these that help accomplish its key interests: considerations, we seek to help incoming president’s counterterrorism, regional and international resolve regional conflicts and promote stability, and humanitarian relief for the administration. sustainable regional stability. Equally Syrian people. Looking at the longer-term, important, we seek to promote political a tenet of U.S. policy toward Syria must and economic reforms in the broader be good governance. Political, economic, Middle East, with a keen appreciation and social exclusion by a regime toward its of the culture and traditions of the people is ultimately destabilizing. In seeking region’s societies and countries. This is solutions for Syria, policymakers should a long-term goal that could help bolster pursue a system of sustainable inclusion of the political economies of the region Syria’s multi-ethnic and multi-confessional and stem the appeal of extremists who society within the country’s territorial exploit popular frustrations. borders. Along with the defeat of ISIS, See more policy briefs at: this goal should be promoted by the U.S. www.bakerinstitute.org/policy-briefs Within this strategic concept, specific with the regional and international actors policies could be articulated that coordinate This publication was written by a involved in Syria. nearer-term counterterrorism programs and researcher (or researchers) who To obtain a consensus on a strategy participated in a Baker Institute project. longer-term strategic goals of marginalizing with a broad-based coalition will require Wherever feasible, this research is extremists. But it is important that both strong leadership, especially on the part reviewed by outside experts before it is approaches move forward concomitantly, of the United States. As recent terrorist released. However, the views expressed lest we face further policy failures. That is incidents demonstrate, the brutal turmoil herein are those of the individual why it is critical that the United States and author(s), and do not necessarily in Syria, Iraq, and the region as a whole has its partners in and outside of the region represent the views of Rice University’s consequences far beyond the borders of the Baker Institute for Public Policy. come to common understandings on the Middle East. But this is an opportunity for strategy and the specific requirements for bold and strategic diplomacy. Russia faces a © 2016 Rice University’s Baker Institute translating words into deeds. Containing real threat of Islamic extremism within the for Public Policy and trying to destroy radical groups such Russian Federation. Western countries and as Al-Qaeda and ISIS through military and This material may be quoted or Israel are targeted as major enemies. Arab reproduced without prior permission, counterterrorism operations are essential regimes and Iran are targeted by Al-Qaeda provided appropriate credit is given to and must be pursued aggressively, but they and ISIS as “impious.” Regional leaders in the author and Rice University’s Baker are not sufficient to reach the overall goal the Middle East, therefore, have a major Institute for Public Policy. of marginalizing the region’s extremists. responsibility to counter radical jihadist Islamist radicals effectively use religion Cite as: ideology and their militant agenda. as a tool to attain their political ends: the Djerejian, Edward P. 2016. A Strategy The challenge is great. The time has Toward Defeating ISIS. Policy Brief: destabilization and destruction of both the come for a coherent strategy to guide Recommendations for the New “near enemy” (the regimes in the Middle operational policies, lest we be reduced Administration. Rice University’s East) and the “far enemy” (the secular to merely responding to one lethal Baker Institute for Public Policy, international community). Their goal is to Houston, Texas. event after another in merely a crisis establish regimes or a “caliphate” in their management mode. image of Islam. 2