In recent weeks, many media outlets have been reporting on how several Supreme Court rulings have resulted in solidifying President Barack Obama’s “Legacy” during his eight years in office. While many cheer in the streets as a result of the liberal rulings of the court, some forget about the issues abroad that affect our nation. Not only has the current administration weakened the United States’ position abroad, but it has also compromised global security of other nations as well.
The premature withdrawal in Iraq and allowing the formation of ISIS will be considered the administration’s downfall. Many positive critics of the administration commended Obama's efforts to withdrawal all combat troops in late 2011 and his promise for a similar withdrawal in Afghanistan in late 2014. However, have you seen the news recently? ISIS is on the march. Terror attacks are occurring more frequently across the globe, and we have allowed Russia and Iran to bully other states by means of intimidation and violence.
It is Obama's failure in Iraq that has led to the development and rise of ISIS — a threat to the rest of the world. While President Obama and his supporters claim that he inherited the "mess" in Iraq, he failed to enact a plan to support the government the U.S. helped usher in after Saddam Hussein. The Iraqi government's inability to deal with domestic issues spurned civil unrest. No nation can be built on a divided foundation, especially after the prior U.S. involvement in Iraq. The Sunni Muslim majority and Kurdish populations felt disconnected with the Iraqi government and thus would not fight for Iraq. The Fall of Ramadi in recent months was due to the hasty retreat of Iraqi forces in the face of a smaller, more lightly-armed enemy. This internal chaos allowed ISIS to march across the border from Syria, capitalizing on the disunity and effectively routing the unmotivated U.S.-funded and trained Iraqi army. What surprised many is the lack of U.S. military commitment to help battle ISIS with the exception of a limited air campaign.
I strongly disapprove of the Obama Administration's handling of Iraq since the U.S. withdrawal. The United States has invested too much money and time and has lost many lives to help install artificial freedom in Iraq. A successful, democratic state cannot be built by a foreign power, as the United States has clearly tried and failed to do. The will must come from the people to come together and develop a national identity. The Iraqi people certainly have not displayed that will to fight for their nation.
In the end, the only way to stop ISIS is by sending soldiers and equipment to Iraq and take the place of the routed and demoralized Iraqi Army. If the Iraqis will not fight, then it is the role of the U.S. as a world power to end the chaos and fanaticism that ISIS has created in the region as well as the world. The United States cannot neglect its duties in the 21st century world. The days of isolation are long gone. The United States has assumed the role of the policing power of the world, and it is a title that it cannot resign from despite what President Obama thinks.
When I think back and remember the legacy of the Obama Administration, I will only remember the many blunders, cover-ups and shortcomings that will surely spur the chaos in the region for decades to come. I will remember those who lost their lives, hopefully not in vain, in fighting chaos and trying to establish freedom from tyranny. Obama's handling of foreign affairs is one of the worst examples from an administration since the Carter administration. The world is a more dangerous place with ISIS still gaining ground. ISIS must be stopped with sheer force.
