A win against Isis can’t mask fundamental problems in the US response to terrorism

Michael Fuchs writes that while the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is a significant milestone in the fight against the Islamic State group, the developments around the operation underline problems with the United States' approach to fighting terrorism.

Taking out one of the leaders of the Islamic State is a symbolic and tangible achievement in blunting Isis’s influence. The work of the US military, intelligence agencies and partners on the ground made this possible. And as much as Trump wants to claim personal credit, the success of the raid only highlighted the dangers of his haphazard withdrawal of US troops from Syria: the New York Times reports that the success of the raid occurred “in spite of” Trump’s recent Syria moves, as the Kurds were the key partners providing intelligence and the US military was concerned they wouldn’t get another shot at Baghdadi because intelligence would be significantly reduced after the US withdrawal.

But the circumstances surrounding the raid and its announcement raise broader concerns about the nature of America’s counterterrorism policies.

The above excerpt was originally published in The Guardian. Click here to view the full article.

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