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ISIS In Retreat

TERROR STATE LOSING TERRITORY … RAPIDLY The caliphate declared in June of 2014 by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (a.k.a. “Ibrahim”) – leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) – is shedding vast amounts of territory.  And shedding it fast. According to a new report published by IHS Jane’s 360, “the tide…

TERROR STATE LOSING TERRITORY … RAPIDLY

The caliphate declared in June of 2014 by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (a.k.a. “Ibrahim”) – leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) – is shedding vast amounts of territory.  And shedding it fast.

According to a new report published by IHS Jane’s 360, “the tide of the war is turning against the Islamic State.”

Specifically, the report concluded ISIS had lost 14 percent of its territory in 2015 – and another eight percent of its territory during the first few weeks of 2016.

“The Islamic State’s last major territorial advance into Palmyra and Ramadi in June 2015 came at the expense of losing large swathes of territory in northern Syria. These included the strategically important Tal Abyad border crossing, which was the group’s main crossing point between Turkey and the so-called Caliphate’s de-facto capital city of Raqqa.”

Raqqa?  Oh right … al-Raqqa, a.k.a. this place.

The report further concluded that analysts were “picking up indicators that the Islamic State was struggling financially, which included various tax hikes, increases in the cost of state-run services, and significant cuts of up to 50 percent in the salaries paid to Islamic State fighters.”

Hold up … a little over three months ago the administration of Barack Obama was briefed by government intelligence agents and told that ISIS was not contained.  In fact, U.S. intelligence concluded the caliphate was going to “spread worldwide and grow in numbers” unless it suffered quick territorial reversals.

What gives?  Was that report just propaganda for America’s ongoing “thirty-year-war” with ISIS?

Making matters even more confusing is the widely-held belief that ISIS’ territorial reversals have come as a result of Russia’s engagement in Syria.

Is that true? Reuters conducted an analysis of Russian defense ministry data which seems to suggest otherwise.  According to that report, only one out of five Russian airstrikes targeted ISIS.  The others, it appears, were intended to shore up the military position of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

Russia withdrew from Syria this month – declaring victory.

“The effective work of our military created the conditions for the start of the peace process,” Russian president Vladimir Putin said.

Needless to say … all of this is very confusing.

What isn’t confusing?  America’s pathway forward in the Middle East.

We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: Our government doesn’t have the money to subsidize another Middle Eastern invasion. Additionally, we don’t have the money to continue providing security to our “allies” in the region. And even if we did, by now it should be abundantly clear to policymakers that such interventions only spur the growth of radical Islam as opposed to curtailing it.  Not to mention leaving huge caches of weapons behind for them to pick up and use against us …

Our policy should be simple: “We agree to stop trying (and failing) to ‘make the world safe for democracy,’ and they agree to leave our democracy – such as it is – alone.  Or else.”

And yes, by “or else” we mean the sort of disproportionate response the Romans used to dole out when one of their citizens was harmed or threatened (assuming we don’t run out of bombs).

***

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81 comments

Bible Thumper March 17, 2016 at 11:17 am

Our policy should be simple: “We agree to stop trying (and failing) to ‘make the world safe for democracy,’ and they agree to leave our democracy – such as it is – alone.  Or else.”
———————————————————-
I believe our country is in the process of determining what “Or else” means. ISIS can not exist if they “agree to leave our democracy alone”. Anti American Jihad is an integral part of their apocalyptic veiwpoint. It’s part of their religious world view. Giving that up, is equivalent to surrender. Peace with the US, would destroy ISIS reason for existence.

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J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 11:55 am

Lol….Obama created ISIS.

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Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:02 pm

Obama squished ISIS.

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J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 12:06 pm

Judge squished Flip.You can run but you can’t hide.

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FBI March 17, 2016 at 12:07 pm

Neither can you, pogo. You look at some sick sexual stuff online.

Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:08 pm

LMAO!!!

J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 12:10 pm

LMAO!

pogo/J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 12:12 pm

I think we meant….NAMBLA!

Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:08 pm

I think even Saul Goodman could defeat whatever lame frivolous case you could present against me. LMAO!!!

Judge T His Comment Deleted March 17, 2016 at 12:18 pm

Well sir, I actually find your suit to be ill fitting and not well thought out. After careful consideration I have been unable to determine any damages you have suffered, based on these anonymous blog postings. Furthermore, I find it hard to suggest you are a victim, based on the numerous and unwarrent, not to mention vile and hateful, comments you generally post on the site in question. Thanks again to Buzzman and Flip, and Moma Tiger (growl) – in providing the court with those posts. I find against plaintiff and dismiss the case with prejudice.

J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 12:21 pm

Not bad Rocky?Why is everybody so nervous on here? :)

Toto Rocks March 17, 2016 at 12:21 pm

Don’t look behind that curtain. Ignore that man!!!!

J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 12:24 pm

I am not suing anybody.

Everybody March 17, 2016 at 12:29 pm

We know, dummy.
Do you?

Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:29 pm

LMAO!!!

Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 12:06 pm

Just to piss you off.

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Thank you, Obama March 17, 2016 at 12:06 pm

Then how come GOP stalwarts McCain and Grahman are pictures paling around with ISIS leaders? The neo-con’s illegal war in Iraq created them and the power vaccuum that allowed them to grow.

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CorruptionInColumbia March 17, 2016 at 2:30 pm

I think you’re both right in a way. McCain and Grahamnasty would rather start a war involving someone else’s money and someone else’s lives, than do each-other when they’re horny.

Obama is a closet fan of what his ISIS peeps are doing, even though they utter occasional idle threats in his direction to keep suspicion down. How else do we explain those bombing missions where planes leave on a “mission” and return with their full payload?

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enpassant March 17, 2016 at 11:39 am

John Mcain & Lindsay Graham created Isis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOGK57xs5Ro

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Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 12:10 pm

Actually, let’s name the allies helping us fight ISIS.

In the Air – Australia, Canada, UK, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE.

On the Ground – Iran, Iraq, Turkey

Missing from list – Israel

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Thank you, Obama March 17, 2016 at 11:40 am

Glad we have a POTUS that actually takes on Islamic terrorists and get results. Instead of neo-cons who help create all of these group to begin with.

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Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:02 pm

AMEN!!!

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jimlewisowb March 17, 2016 at 12:10 pm

Buck Farack

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J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 12:11 pm

Amen!

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GrandTango March 17, 2016 at 12:15 pm

Why are you using our safe-word here, pogo? You usually save it for when I forget to take my cheap watch off before ass play!

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Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:25 pm

You two make a cute couple!

J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 12:35 pm

I am outta here you sic fucker.See ya Will.It’s been fun.

Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:54 pm

Don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya.

All in a day's work March 17, 2016 at 1:14 pm

Mission Accomplished.

RogueElephant March 17, 2016 at 12:47 pm

How stupid can you get ? (I’m not supposed to ask Dims that question, they take it as a challenge.LOL) The only real leader in the world, Putin came in kicked ass and is leaving. That is the way a real leader works. Not the pandering and holding back the troops like our “leaders” do. Just wait till President Trump is in charge.

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Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 12:57 pm

Putin accomplished nothing. Not a damned thing. He rarely if at all attacked ISIS, where he attacked the Free Syrian positions, and they fell back, ISIS gained territory. The highway from Aleppo to Homs to Damascus remains unsecure. Aleppo is split, not retaken from the rebels. ISIS is still in control from east of Damascus to Rocky Wocky Raqqa. They did nothing, and now are running out as fast as they can. If the ceasefire fails, the rebels will regain all the territory they held, plus more. Putin is a failure. And he never deployed ground troops. Zero. So get your facts straight.

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Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:58 pm

It really is sad how much worship there is of Putin by Republicans. I guess they love Soviet Russia after all.

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Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 12:58 pm

Fuckers route for the commies when they watch Red Dawn.

Bible Thumper March 17, 2016 at 2:05 pm

Get your facts straight. The only Republican leader that likes Putin is Trump and Trump is not a Republican.

Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 2:19 pm

Trump’s a Trumpublican.

Flip March 17, 2016 at 2:37 pm

Could have fooled me, Fox News gushes about Putin from time to time even if it is to snub Obama.

Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 4:39 pm

Well, Fox would have supported Adolf for his wonderful conservative economic principals in 1934 – and pointed to the great transformation in Germany.

Sic Semper Tyrannis March 17, 2016 at 2:48 pm

RE must be confussed then.

RogueElephant March 17, 2016 at 5:13 pm

Trump is a common sense Republican. That is why the establishment republicans can’t stand him. He actually stands for something.BTW I just heard that the establishment republicans are starting to crack on the judge Obummer wants on the SCOTUS. It won’t take long till they sell US out again. And people wonder why Trump is doing so well.

CorruptionInColumbia March 17, 2016 at 2:16 pm

This isn’t your father’s Soviet Union, anymore. It is modern Russia, under new and improved LEADERSHIP, something this our country has done without for far too long.

Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 2:19 pm

Yeah, their economic collapse is showing how great their “effective” leadership is. Come on. Can’t we at least agree on what is reality?

CorruptionInColumbia March 17, 2016 at 2:23 pm

Economic collapse? You mean from the 80’s and 90’s? Meanwhile, many here are still reeling from the more recent one caused by Bush and made worse by 0bama.

Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 2:32 pm

Google, google, google, oh here it is – Amid soaring inflation, the average monthly salary across Russia shrank to 31,200 rubles ($500) in January. Nope, it ain’t gonna wash. They’re economy is predicted to continue to shrink, the ruble is suffering high inflation, wages have fallen from annualized $14,500 two years ago to $6,000 a year. Nope, third world baby.

CorruptionInColumbia March 17, 2016 at 2:38 pm

That’s right. I’ve been in a bit of a fog since I woke up a little while ago. I wasn’t thinking about the economic harassment we have inflicted on Russia for no good reason. I keep hoping that bit of antagonism doesn’t come back to bite us on the ass. There are times and places such might be advisable. I don’t think recent years have been one of those times.

Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 4:38 pm

No good reason – he siezed Cry Me A Riva and his Ukraine stuff, plus killing all those people when the shot down the airliner? Nah, he’s gettin’ what he deserves.

RogueElephant March 17, 2016 at 5:07 pm

There is nothing that says the enemy can’t have a good leader. Our “leaders” are so terrible as to make an above average commie look good.” Leading from behind” has never worked and it will never work.”

CorruptionInColumbia March 17, 2016 at 2:14 pm

I believe Putin may have accomplished more than many realize.

“PUTIN THE ‘STATESMAN’ – OBAMA THE CHUMP

Via Max Galeotti at Reuters:

Politicians tend to find it easier to start wars than to end them, to escalate rather than to withdraw. For a leader who clearly relishes his macho image and who has been articulating a very aggressive foreign policy in recent years to opt for such a stand-down is a striking act of statesmanship.

That said, Putin’s announcement that “the objectives given to the Defense Ministry and the Armed Forces as a whole have largely been accomplished” is probably accurate.

This intervention was, after all, never about “winning” the war in Syria: even the most starry-eyed optimist would not expect a relative handful of aircraft and ground forces to end this bloody and complex conflict. Nor was it primarily to save Bashar al-Assad’s skin and position.

Rather, it had three main objectives. Firstly, to assert Russia’s role in the region and its claim to a say in the future of Syria. Secondly, to protect Moscow’s last client in the Middle East, ideally by preserving Assad, but if need be by replacing him with some other suitable client. Thirdly, to force the West, and primarily Washington, to stop efforts diplomatically to isolate Moscow. For the moment, at least, all three have indeed been accomplished.

At a White House news conference in October 2015, after Russia started their bombing campaign in Syria, Barack Obama predicted “An attempt by Russia and Iran to prop up Assad and try to pacify the population is just going to get them stuck in a quagmire and it won’t work.”

Not only did Putin achieve his goals, but in the process he just made Obama eat his own words.”
— Excerpt From Article In ANP 03-16-2016–

http://allnewspipeline.com/Syria_Putin_The_Statesman_Obama_The_Chump.php#comment-2574075030

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Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 2:18 pm

But I would simply argue Assad is in no better position today than he was six months ago. If this all goes down the toilet again, the rebels will be knocking on the door again. And this time they’re not fighting a three front war against ISIS, Russia and Assad.

CorruptionInColumbia March 17, 2016 at 2:21 pm

There is talk (I know, it is cheap) that Putin is withdrawing units BUT, may be replacing them with different units, possibly in case anyone gets too cocky with the idea of his absence. Putin ain’t no dummy. We’ll have to sit back and watch.

Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 2:30 pm

Nah, I think he’s checkin’ out. Can’t afford it. Wait, let me check their reserve status (cash reserves)…google, google, google…..OK back – $70 billion, with fears it will run out by end of 2016. They spent about $1 billion of it in Syria. Nope, I’m going with can’t afford to risk the ongoing costs. Wonder what Crimea is costing them a day?

Sic Semper Tyrannis March 17, 2016 at 2:43 pm

Trump, leader, get checked out asap.

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sparklecity March 19, 2016 at 8:31 am

I didn’t vote for “Obammer” BUT Slow,sure and deliberte has won many a conflict…….
That is his style and I’ll say this, I’ll take “Obammer” over that obnoxious lying sack of draft avoiding shit Trump any day!!
One other thiing, I will admit, “Obammer” won’t hesitate to snuff a raghead if it comes to that.
Who would you prefer buying a used car from Trump or “Obammer”?
I rest my case………

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Jonny Logic March 17, 2016 at 11:51 am

They are just buying time until Trump is president. His actions will easily give them the surge of recruitment that they need.

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J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 11:53 am

Obama is one of em and why he called them the ‘jv team’-giving ISIS time to organize and get stronger.

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Jonny Logic March 17, 2016 at 11:56 am

They ARE the jv team. Wow, they took over some desert and beat some Iraq forces. Ohhh, scary. The only strength they get is from our rhetoric and GOP fear-mongering.

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Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:04 pm

American Military: Major League

ISIS: JV Team

Trump supporters: Little League

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Thank you, Obama March 17, 2016 at 12:04 pm

I don’t think Osama Bin Ladin or the numerous Al Queada and ISIS leaders that have been killed under Obama’s watch would agree that he “…is one of em….”

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Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 12:07 pm

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…………

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pogo/J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 12:09 pm

Obama may be a mooslim, but he is pretty sexy. I love to have a black man be my personal Commander n Chief!

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Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:09 pm

Oh my! Did someone give you truth serum?

erneba March 17, 2016 at 12:00 pm

“ISIS In Retreat”???
No, most of them just moved to Europe and the United States under the latest refugee program.
“Specifically, the report concluded ISIS had lost 14 percent of its territory in 2015..”
But they infested Europe and and parts of the US in the last year.

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Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 12:07 pm

Well that’s sort of a stretch.

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CorruptionInColumbia March 17, 2016 at 2:31 pm

Yep!

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Mark March 17, 2016 at 3:37 pm

See Fits, that’s how you handle this. That’s how you protect the narrative. Don’t concentrate on the negatives, concentrate on the positives.

I mean sure Isis is on the run in Iraq and Syria. Sure Putin is pulling his forces out and going home. But that is just because the war is over there. ISIS is no longer interested in establishing a Caliphate in the middle East. They are going straight for our heartland. They are now going for the Caliphates of Kansastan and Switzerlistan.

Already, the entire US is infested with ISIS fighters, and soon they will have all of our billionaire’s secret Swiss money. Instead of Republican billionaires owning 65% of the Country, Isis could own 65% of the Country. They could suddenly be the only people capable of paying Republican politicians. Our entire system of government could collapse overnight.

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Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 12:08 pm

What’s the last thing an ISIS leader says before he dies?

“Hello?” while answering the cell phone call that confirms he’s in the car, and about 2 seconds before the Hellfire comes crashing down.

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Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 12:09 pm

I see lots of YouTube videos where ISIS has taken weapons, and then is so stupid when they try to use them they blow themselves up. Maybe that was the plan.

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pogo/J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 12:11 pm

Like I said, ISIS should hire me. I’d fit right in. I hate America, I’m a closted gay and I hate America!
Oh, and I’m dumb as shit and constantly put my own foot in my mouth. Imagine me trying to shoot a rocket laucher!

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J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 12:18 pm

No wonder this site gets hacked.

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Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:26 pm

You bring this upon yourself by being such a vile person on this web page and considering the things you have called Buzz and Rocky I feel no pity for you.

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pogo/J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 12:30 pm

Yes. I’m a totally useless, sad piece of crap.
Whar else is new?

J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 12:51 pm

I understand.I have felt no pity for you when meeting with law enforcement and other government agencies.You just threatened me and my family on another thread.We are all taking your threats of violence seriously.I am leaving this site.You got what you wanted.I don’t have any doubt you or others would harm my family in a violent way..Peace.

Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:54 pm

I never threatened you and unfortunately you aren’t actually leaving the site. You can’t. This site is your addiction of choice.

Rocky Verdad March 17, 2016 at 1:00 pm

Oh Christ – the vicitm card again.

pogo/J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 1:17 pm

Nobody threaten you or your make believe family. You on the the other hand?
We have the screenshots to prove it. Now run along….

Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:12 pm

Give them claymores with FRONT TOWARD ENEMY on the wrong side.

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pogo/J.Smith March 17, 2016 at 12:10 pm

I want to start an American version of ISIS! Who’s with me?!?

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Flip March 17, 2016 at 12:11 pm

Most of Trump’s supporters?

The Republican establishment already called dibs on American Taliban.

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Grand Tango March 17, 2016 at 12:13 pm

I am. I’m tired of these @$$wipe homo liberal western types how eat that raw fish stuff and drink tea. We’ll start ‘er right here in my Irmo homo house, with a good shit throwin’

Ya’ll miss me?

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Mark March 17, 2016 at 1:50 pm

Shhh. You are fucking up the Fox News narrative. Facts from respected independent sources are not relevant. The Obama Administration has screwed everything up. ISIS is about to take over the entire Middle East including Iraq, Syria, and Turkey; and is spreading rapidly in the US itself. In addition Putin kicked our ass in Syria. That is why our coalition is leaving and Russia is running the country.

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Bible Thumper March 17, 2016 at 2:11 pm

I’ve noticed FitsNews has managed to sell one ad. Congratulations.

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Sic Semper Tyrannis March 17, 2016 at 2:20 pm

Look beside the neck of the guy on the left. Is that a warplane or drone comming up from behind?

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