Since Islamic State fighters entered Iraq from Syria, they have given the world a revolting look at their ruthlessness. They have left the severed heads of their vanquished on spikes. They have filled mass graves with the summarily executed. They have slaughtered and enslaved ethnic minority Yazidis. When the Islamic State drove tens of thousands of them up mountains, where many died of thirst, it seemed the last straw. U.S. President Barack Obama ordered airstrikes to beat them back. But the same cruelty has fumed next door in Syria -- along with the atrocities committed by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad against rebel fighters.
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Islamic State cruelty has fumed in Syria, too, along with government atrocities
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But complex entanglements would make it more difficult to act there than in Iraq
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In Syria, the government would fight against the U.S.; in Iraq they are partners
Yazidis
While the world focused on the plight of the @placeholder in Iraq, 500 Syrian civilians died practically unnoticed.
Iraq
Iraq
Iraq
In @placeholder, the battle lines are clearer -- the Iraqi government with U.S. support vs. Islamic State.
Islamic State
Islamic State
Islamic State
In Iraq, the battle lines are clearer -- the Iraqi government with U.S. support vs. @placeholder.
Syria
Syria
Syria
Syria
The @placeholder government has professional air defenses, including its own air force, which would give the U.S. military serious resistance.
Islamic State
Islamic State
Islamic State
Though @placeholder has struck some aircraft, its air defenses are flimsy when compared to al-Assad's.