Republicans might have a third Bush who wants to start a Middle East ground war, but they all are failing the Commander in Chief test. In the wake of the Paris and San Bernardino attacks, officials have warned that engaging in a religious war plays directly into the hands of ISIS. According to the New York Times, ISIS ideology says that “Islam will be victorious after an apocalyptic battle to be set off once Western armies come to the region.” The terrorist group could use an invasion by the United States as a recruiting tool. Unsurprisingly, Republicans on the debate stage haven’t let the fear of enabling ISIS prevent them from suggesting disastrous policy:
- Marco Rubio called for a “significant force” of troops after the Paris attacks, saying, “It’s the only way to do it, they have to be defeated by a ground force.”
- Ted Cruz reversed his position last week and now supports “using whatever ground troops are necessary” against ISIS.
- Ben Carson called boots on the ground an “important” component of his “every resource known to man” strategy.
- Jeb Bush continued his family tradition by saying the U.S. “will need to increase our presence on the ground.”
- Donald Trump refused to take a position in a particular Trumpian fashion by arguing: “You either do it or you don’t do it.”
- Chris Christie would send boots on the ground and said, “[I]f you’re going to involve American troops, you’d better go whole hog.”
Published: Dec 15, 2015