USC experts are available to discuss President Obama’s speech on ISIS
What does the Middle Eastern public actually think of ISIS? What should we watch for in Obama’s speech? How serious are concerns over ISIS veterans returning to western countries?
(Media-Newswire.com) - What does the Middle Eastern public actually think of ISIS? What should we watch for in Obama’s speech? How serious are concerns over ISIS veterans returning to western countries?
Josh Lockman is a Lecturer in International Law and U.S. Foreign Policy at the USC Gould School of Law. He can discuss efforts to combat the Islamic State and war fatigue among western nations. He can also discuss President Obama’s speech and communication goals.
“Coming on the eve of the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, President Obama’s speech will have to strike a delicate balance between asserting that the US must prepare for a broader war against ISIS while reassuring the American people that this war will not require the deployment of US ground troops. The President will be mindful to reiterate the ‘muscular multilateralism’ which has defined his presidency, imploring key U.S. allies in Europe and the Middle East to support aggressive action against ISIS.”
Contact: ( 310 ) 995-1819 or josh.lockman@gmail.com.
Can ISIS win the Middle Eastern public’s support?
Laurie Brand is the Robert Granford Wright Professor and Professor of International Relations at USC’s School of International Relations. She’s an expert in Middle Eastern politics, and can discuss the Islamic State’s propaganda efforts in the region and in what ways they’re failing or succeeding. Her op-ed this week in The Washington Post explored the Islamic State’s efforts to indoctrinate children through school curricula in the regions they control.
“The reaction to ISIS across the region is far from unified. There is no question that it has attracted additional recruits from various parts of the region. But there are far, far more people who are extremely worried about its swift march and its “program,” which some would call militant Wahhabism, while others regard it as a significant departure from the Islam they practice.”
Contact: ( 213 ) 740-3651 or brand@usc.edu.
Western nations could face homegrown threats
Erroll Southers is Associate Director of Research Transition, National Homeland Security at USC’s Center for Risk, Economic Analysis and Terrorism Events ( CREATE ). He’s an expert in counter-terrorism and terrorist groups, and can address the domestic security risks associated with Islamic State veterans returning to their home countries.
“ISIS is not al-Qaeda. It is a complex terrorist army, complete with extensive military and financial resources, effective social media and a clear destination for volunteers upon arrival into territory under ISIS control. The threat of returning fighters and those potentially already here should not discounted.”
Contact: ( 323 ) 816-8045 or southers@usc.edu.
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