An NPR member station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ryan Crocker Calls for American Leadership to Blunt Islamic State Threat

Former ambassador Ryan Crocker of Spokane issued a blunt call in a Wall Street Journal opinion article for President Obama to step forward and show leadership to confront the terrorists of the Islamic State. Crocker, who is now dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, didn't mince words in calling for this country - and the president personally - to step forward and show the world that we can and will move decisively, collectively and immediately against what he calls "Al Qaeda, Version 6-point-0."

On the eve of the president's prime time speech on the Islamic State, Crocker said there is no time left to argue, dither and wonder what should be done about those who are butchering Americans and anyone else they care to across the middle east.

The former ambassador to Iraq and Syria said Islamic State targets in Syria must be bombed so that the terrorists will not have a safe haven anywhere. He also called for the pace of airstrikes in Iraq to be increased dramatically. As he put it: "You can bet that their aspirations include Saudi Arabia. With their gains in Iraq, nothing but sand separates them from the Saudi border."

He supports the administration's efforts for military action, political engagement and effective coalition building. But all of that will require something that's been in short supply so far - American leadership.
Crocker said - again quoting - the war, ladies and gentlemen, is truly on. We're just not a meaningful part of it yet.

Related Content