Dominic Tierney, Swarthmore College Assistant Professor of Political Science and correspondent for The Atlantic, is available for comment on the United States’ strategy to defeat ISIS.
Tierney is an expert in international conflict and the author of three books, including How We Fight: Crusades, Quagmires, and the American Way of War. He argues that any U.S. strategy aimed at defeating ISIS must consider the endgame in order to avoid a situation similar to the Iraq War.
“There is no quick fix for defeating ISIS, since they are well-established, well-trained, and can move easily between two civil wars,” says Tierney. “With the right strategy, the U.S. can defeat ISIS over time, but this will require U.S. leadership and President Obama to think long-term – what happens when ISIS retreats? What is the end game?”
Tierney is also available to comment on how Syria's Bashar al-Assad helped intentionally spur the growth of ISIS. In a July article for The Atlantic, Tierney argued that the Assad regime in Syria deliberately cultivated the rise of ISIS to make itself appear as the lesser evil in international eyes. “For Assad, ISIS is priceless. The Sunni extremist boogeyman holds the key to his political survival,” says Tierney. “As ISIS continues its assault in Iraq, employing tactics that include beheadings, crucifixions, and systematic torture, Assad has cemented his alliance with Baghdad, as well as with Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia.” To speak with Tierney, please contact Mark Anskis ([email protected] / 570-274-0471) in the Swarthmore College communications office.
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