Attacks Likely to Force Tougher Stance by U.S.
Attacks Likely to Force Tougher Stance by U.S. by Peter Baker and Eric Schmitt, New York Times
When the Islamic State stormed onto the scene in Syria and Iraq, it seemed focused on seizing territory in its own neighborhood. But in the last two weeks, the so-called soldiers of the caliphate appear to have demonstrated a chilling reach, with terrorist attacks against Russia, in Lebanon and now in Europe.
The seemingly synchronized assaults that turned Paris into a war zone on Friday came just days after a bombing targeted a Shiite district of Beirut controlled by Iran’s ally, Hezbollah, and a Russian passenger jet was downed over Egypt. The rapid succession of strikes, all claimed by the Islamic State, suggested that the regional war has turned into a global one.
For President Obama and American allies, the attacks are almost certain to force a reassessment of the threat and may require a more aggressive strategy against the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, ISIL or Daesh. Mr. Obama prepared to leave Saturday for a scheduled trip to Antalya, Turkey, where he was to consult with other world leaders in a Group of 20 summit meeting now sure to be dominated by the Paris attacks and questions of what to do next…
