As President, I would also provide enough American capability within this regional force to ensure success. The specialties we possess are lacking in regional forces, but are essential to the destruction of ISIL and pushing Assad out of power. The American ground component in Syria would be similar to that of Iraq, including Special Forces units, logistical support and an embedded U.S. presence at the Brigade level. We must understand that Iraq and Syria constitute a single battle space in the fight against ISIL and our approach much be comprehensive. We must also understand a complementary diplomatic effort is essential. To hold Syria, the Alawites, Sunnis and other factions must reach political consensus. In Iraq, a diplomatic surge in Baghdad is as imperative as any additional ground forces. However, no solution is achievable unless we first have security. That is the lesson our nation and I learned from the 2007 Surge. I would also heed the lessons of Obama’s disastrous 2011 withdrawal from Iraq and refuse to hastily withdraw all our forces from the region. An American presence is critical to ensuring these areas do not fall into chaos once again. Finally, I would be honest with the American people about what kind of commitment this would entail, even when the truth is hard to hear. Under the failed leadership of President Obama and former Secretary Clinton, Syria and Iraq have become the perfect base from which to launch attacks directly against our nation by seasoned fighters holding Western passports. It is a base from which they already project a barbaric form of power that inspires other radicals and lone wolves, from Paris to Garland, Texas, while committing their heinous acts, including attempts at the systematic destruction of the Christian religion in the Middle East. Neither the denial of isolationists nor rudderless half measures will secure our nation. Only a bold strategy, backed by the firm resolve of a determined President will rid the world of both ISIS and Assad, stabilize the region, and prevent the forces of radical Islam from bringing their fight to our homeland once again. Our current Commander in Chief has neither the strategy nor the resolve. Hillary Clinton proved she lacks them too. I am ready on day one with both. Lindsey Graham is a U.S. Senator from South Carolina and is seeking the Republican nomination for President. Gov. Bobby Jindal, Fox News Neil Cavuto, 7/6/15 Video here [middle] On Iran deal -Looks like Kerry is about to agree to a bad deal -Deal could start an arms race in ME -This President will take a bad deal over no deal -HRC is the architect of this deal, she has been at the center of this policy of appeasement Sen. Ted Cruz, Press Release, 7/6/15 https://www.tedcruz.org/news/cruz-its-time-to-tell-the-american-people-the-truth-about-president-obamas-sham-deal-with- iran/