kizee1 wrote:arent these the chaps trying to topple assad? the ones who received backing from the US?
The US previously fought these militants during their last invasion of Iraq in the famous seige and battle for Fallujah.
In Syria, the US was largely propping the FSA opposition group. It's unclear how much aid from the allies and other middle eastern backers got to ISIS.
Once ISIS got fully involved in fighting Assads forces, the opposition forces realised ISIS had a different agenda and were committing atrocities. ISIS started fighting both Assad and other opposition groups.
President Assads previous claim that the govt was fighting terrorists turned out to be prophetic..
To defeat ISIS, the US may need to partner with the Iraqi government (without Maliki), Syria (newly elected Assad) and Iran.
ex-President's Bush 'axis of evil' may be US best bet!