BOOTS ON THE GROUND? – AT 9:31 A.M. ET:   Poll numbers suggest Americans are enthusiastic about air strikes against the Islamic State, but generally oppose boots on the ground.  Note, though, that in foreign policy we usually see early poll results reflecting presidential opinion.  From CNN:

(CNN) -- Americans are steadfastly opposed to sending U.S. ground troops to fight ISIS in Iraq and Syria, but an overwhelming number of people continue to support the U.S.-led airstrikes against the terrorist group, a new CNN/ORC International poll shows.

While less than four in 10 Americans favor sending U.S. ground troops into a combat situation against ISIS, there is a widespread belief that such an action is inevitable, according to the poll.

Only 24% of Americans do not think the United States will send combat troops to battle ISIS, while 36% say it is likely and another 39% say it is somewhat likely. Count House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, as one of those people.

Boehner said Sunday it may take U.S. boots on the ground to defeat ISIS, as he questioned President Barack Obama's plan -- which includes airstrikes, training and equipping the Iraqi Army and moderate Syrian rebels -- to defeat the terrorist network.

"Listen, the President doesn't want to do that," Boehner said in an interview on ABC's "This Week."
"If I were the President, I probably wouldn't have talked about what I wouldn't do. And maybe, maybe we can get enough of these forces trained and get them on the battlefield, but somebody's boots have to be there."

COMMENT:  That is what most military experts are saying.   Air power is critical, of course.  But wars are generally not won from the air.  Ground has to be taken and held. 

I don't see a winning strategy at work.

September 29, 2014