Terrror threat

ISIS may be down but not out -- Here's what the US needs to do in 2019 to combat terrorists and keep us safe

As we head into 2019, America’s decades-long fight against the global jihad continues. The names and players shift, but the enemy is consistent in its desire to push an oppressive and violent version of Islam worldwide.

The U.S. military had a good year in 2018, with some impressive victories – especially against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. But we must also take into account the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan and some other regional groups that have made their presence felt.

President Trump campaigned on a promise to destroy ISIS and its caliphate, and it’s fair to say that goal has been achieved. He gave members of our military the hunting license they needed, and along with our coalition partners they destroyed ISIS’ center of gravity and physical state, but not every adherent to its ideology.

The hard part now will be ensuring that the conditions that allowed ISIS to form are not repeated. This will require major outreach and support of the Sunni tribes in both Iraq and Syria.