Former CIA deputy director says ISIS poses four significant threats to the United States. What do you think of his assessment?

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Mon, 18 May 2015 16:22:13 -0400

Four significant threats to the United States:

1) ISIS is a threat to the stability of the Middle East (where U.S. has vital interests);
2) ISIS is attracting young men and women to join its cause;
3) ISIS is building a following among other extremist groups; and
4) ISIS's message is radicalizing young men and women around the globe who want to commit an attack to demonstrate their solidarity with the organization.

http://time.com/3858354/isis-is-a-danger-on-u-s-soil/

ISIS Is a Danger on U.S. Soil

The terrorist group poses a gathering threat

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 18 at 2015 4:22 PM

SFC Stephen King — Mon, 18 May 2015 16:22:46 -0400

We need to heed this warning and be prepared.

We must prepare given the fact they are growing in numbers and social media alike. The statement below is enough for me to know the time is now.

"Today an ISIS-directed attack in the U. S. would be relatively unsophisticated (small-scale), but over time ISIS’s capabilities will grow. This is what a long-term safe haven in Iraq and Syria would give ISIS, and it is exactly what the group is planning to do. They have announced their intentions–just like bin Laden did in the years prior to 9/11." Michael Morell

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 4:27 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 16:27:13 -0400

These are very valid threats and we as americans need to become more vigilant and situationally aware of what is going on around us before we see another 9/11 on U.S. soil.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 4:44 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 16:44:33 -0400

They want to kick the big dog so that the fringe players can establish credibility within the jihadi heirarchy. Don't count Al Queda out; they aren't just going to quietly cede primacy to ISIS without a fight.

I think it is notable that they have not attempted any actions against Israel. Perhaps they know that the Israelis would jack them up something awful if they did.

I think that ISIS will continue to attempt to consolidate their gains and perhaps take another swing at Baghdad. They are within striking distance to infiltrate operatives in order to recruit, and we'd be foolish to think they haven't already.

US forces in Baghdad would make a very attractive target for them.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 18 at 2015 5:39 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Mon, 18 May 2015 17:39:47 -0400

I think lone wolves may be a danger, and anyone can call themselves ISIS but any threat from ISIS in general is doubtful. Intelligence Officers are Paid pessimists.

I think that we will miss the NSAs surveillance programs.

Response by CMDCM Richard Moon made May 18 at 2015 5:47 PM

CMDCM Richard Moon — Mon, 18 May 2015 17:47:11 -0400

What I didn't read on the list was 5) ISIS is a direct threat to the security of the homeland.
What i do see however is a pattern of so-called "lone wolf" attacks which need to be addressed as what they represent - ISIS is active in the Homeland. Much like AQ, ISIS has networked as well as having forces in the field that are holding and gaining territory.

I don't see any credible, sustained effort to remove ISIS as said threat, it's almost as if we are inviting a serious attack. This veteran is frustrated and angry that I'm expected to modify my behavior in the US because veterans are a potential target. Is there in effect, a nation wide "shelter in place" mentality????My oath is smacking me violently in the face right now...

With that said, I think there is a remarkable and official soft peddling of where and the threat constitutes in the Homeland, Our security seems to be reactionary rather than in front of the enemy (what else can you call them?). I'm not a fan of domestic surveillance programs, but from the unclassified side of things, we seem to be losing the fight.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 18 at 2015 6:00 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 18 May 2015 18:00:59 -0400

They hate anyone who is not a Sunni and will wipe out Shias or any other religions if they have a chance. They want to build a caliphate (the religious leader of Islam). They will have no shortage of bombers as their death will be glorious and a guarantee to heaven with the opulent gifts. Most of their recruits are from poor and broken states.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made May 18 at 2015 7:13 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Mon, 18 May 2015 19:13:59 -0400

GySgt Ekblad,

All four (4) points are happening now and are very true. ISIS is the best trained, best conditioned and most strategic enemy of our time. Iran and N. Korea bluff and blunder, even China but they have done nothing. ISIS has an infrastructure that has Marketing expertise and they use Social Media sites very effectively. They release horrific videos of their beheadings by chainsaw, swords and daggers. They are just south of the Texas border and now have a US office! Exclamation point today with the takeover of Ramadi. Again, ISIS gains complete control over weapons supplied to Iraq, even tanks and Humvees. Iraq forces just run away when confronted by these Islamic terrorists. We can't fight their wars and conflicts for them so I believe the Administration and the Military need to re-think those supply lines. It's hard to even think of our troops coming under fire from our own weaponry! Bring all of our troops out and then, Can you say "Tactical Nuclear Weapon"? 13 "pinpoint" strikes per day is not effective. During the Gulf War we were projecting 2,300 sorties per day and many planes were dropping 1 ton bunker busters. On a side note I am not against a "Lake Iran". I just heard on FOX News that Obama called the taking of Ramadi as a "setback"! He's a THROWBACK!.

Response by MSgt George Lynch made May 18 at 2015 7:43 PM

MSgt George Lynch — Mon, 18 May 2015 19:43:51 -0400

I think they left a lot off this list ....."WE" the American people were just told 4 days ago all is going well .........the airstrikes are taking a toll and " ISIS IS ON THE RUN" VERBATIM ..What they forgot to mention is they where on the run to Ramadi to take the city and execute anyone who does not believe in the Caliphate and their holy war...........at least the current administration remains consistent
"WRONG, MISINFORMED & REACTIVE "

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Apr 18 at 2017 10:35 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 22:35:43 -0400

Radicalizing my butt. It is the duty of the Ummah to support and/or fight for a Caliphate. Mohammad demanded it!
Know your enemy and don't p*** down my back and tell me it is raining.
Thanks,
M. Morris RVT

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Apr 22 at 2017 12:13 AM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 00:13:48 -0400

Muhammad foretold a time when the Ummah would need to form a Caliphate. ISIS and those who truely follow Muhammad must fight like Muhammad to bring this about. They are not radical. Those Muslims not helping the Caliphate to exist are radical and Apostates.
The problem is the Koran and Muhammad. If ISIS is pushed to far it will break up and move all over where it can launch Islamic terrorists attacks.
Some land in North East Syria should be considered to allow them refuge. But, their Caliphate would have to be kept from expanding.
It appears, there are two choices. The coalition fractures ISIS and they run to fight everywhere, or we pull back and contain them.
Their religion/political system demands they fight.
M. Morris RVT

Response by CSM William DeWolf made May 12 at 2017 10:14 AM

CSM William DeWolf — Fri, 12 May 2017 10:14:44 -0400

Can't help but agree!