Representative Ryan Zinke (R., Mont.), a Navy SEAL turned freshman congressman, says the fight against ISIS will require a secure border — between Iraq and Syria — which would bisect that region controlled by the terrorists.
“Air operations alone will not be effective against ISIS,” Zinke tells National Review Online. “I do think we need to address, no doubt, isolating the border between Iraq and Syria and that’s a no-fly zone with blocking forces on the ground.”
That would require a greater commitment of U.S. ground forces than President Obama has so far countenanced.
“I have seen the consequences of war and I’ve been to more funerals than I care to mention,” Zinke said. “But I also understand the consequences of inaction, or in the case of this administration, no-show.”
The former Navy SEAL commander said that the U.S. military has to provide more direct support for allies on the ground, as well.
“We are going to have to equip the Kurds directly [and] equip the Sunni tribes that are on our side directly with the logistics necessary to defend themselves and go on the offensive,” he said. “And that’s medical supplies, ammunition, food, as well as our air assets. What we need is our controllers on the ground directing those air assets so they’re effective.”
House and Senate Republicans will discuss possible responses to ISIS during a joint retreat this week in Hershey, Penn., which you can read about here.
Zinke also said that the U.S. southern border needs to be secured, for national defense reasons. “In the last six months, the reports I have [are] that individuals representing 168 countries were apprehended on our southern border,” he said. “This country built a panama canal in the 19th century. I think we’re up for a fence in the 21st.”