No, Islamic State Isn’t Defeated
In many ways, the group’s loss of territory makes it more dangerous.
One mission accomplished, another begins.
Photographer: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images
Last month’s liberation of the final piece of territory that once made up the Islamic State is worthy of celebration. It took the better part of four years, required the determination of many nations, and demanded huge sacrifices from pro-democracy forces on the ground.
But as President Donald Trump thumps his metaphorical chest over the victory, he risks making the same mistake as his predecessors, who were too quick to declare the end of American combat missions in Iraq. Instead of celebrating prematurely, the U.S. must start transitioning from combat to threat management — a subtler task that will require patience, focus, and the continued cooperation of coalition forces.