KMA Land - Young: Strategy, Leadership Needed Against ISIS
News Article
by Mike Peterson
Reports indicate President Obama is planning to establish a new military base in Ambar Province, Iraq, and to send 400 more American military trainers to help Iraqi forces retake the city of Ramadi.
Will this move help turn the tide against ISIS forces in the region? Iowa 3rd District Congressman David Young says he's not sure--because the president has admitted the U.S. doesn't have a strategy against ISIS.
"Nine months ago, the president gave a major speech about ISIS," said Young, "saying we're going to debilitate ISIS, destroy ISIS and take ISIS on for a more peaceful world. But, we don't have a strategy yet. So, this causes me concerns. I know our women and men in uniform are the best fighters in the world. But, what does it say when the president comes out and says, 'we don't have a strategy.' And, we need a strategy."
Young says the lack of strategy against the Islamic State points toward the need for leadership at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
"We have a lot of presidential candidates going around, wanting to the next president of the United States," he said. "We're going to be able to meet whoever the next president is in Iowa. We need to ask that question, 'what is your strategy? What is your strategy to defeat ISIS, whether it takes six months or six years, what is it?' I want to hear a lot about that."
The Van Meter Republican says the issue demonstrates that his constituents are concerned about national security.
"A year ago, we really didn't hear about it," said Young. "When I was campaigning, it was more about domestic issues and the economy. But more and more people that I talked to, when I'm out doing my coffees and town halls, and visiting with folks, it's about personal security, and national security as well."
Young believes the American people would support sending troops back to Iraq if the U.S. demonstrates strategy and leadership on the issue. The congressman made his comments during his weekly interview during KMA's 7:35 newscast Wednesday morning.
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