Can the US Hit the Islamic State Where It Really Hurts?

President Obama’s looking at airstrikes in Syria to slow the advance of the ultra-extremist Islamic State—a growing threat to America and its interests. But that could help Syria’s brutal dictator, Bashar al-Assad, stay in power, by helping him against his most effective enemy. We hear about the risks of military action—and a possible alternative of striking the real source of the Islamic State’s power: The modern financial system that keeps it armed and fed and guarantees its continuity. Also, the World Health Organization calls for a partial ban on e-cigarettes. And, guns fired into the air in Gaza City after Israel said it accepted “a complete ceasefire” negotiated in Cairo.

Banner Image: A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), guards three MV-22 Osprey aircraft during a humanitarian assessment mission; Credit: U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. Fifth Fleet