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Back to To the Point

To the Point

ISIS and the Blame Game on the Campaign Trail

The Obama Administration was saying that ISIS, the so-called Islamic State, was on the run. Then ISIS took Ramadi, the capital of Iraq's Anbar Province. Government troops, trained by the US, fled from the scene, along with thousands of civilian refugees. It was a blow to Iraq's Prime Minister, Haidar al-Abadi and to President Obama.

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By Warren Olney • May 20, 2015 • 32m Listen

The Obama Administration was saying that ISIS, the so-called Islamic State, was on the run. Then ISIS took Ramadi, the capital of Iraq's Anbar Province. Government troops, trained by the US, fled from the scene, along with thousands of civilian refugees. It was a blow to Iraq's Prime Minister, Haidar al-Abadi and to President Obama. The White House admits it's a setback -- but not enough to change the strategy of playing supporting role. Republicans say it proves there is no strategy after all. ISIS is likely to be a threat to American interests well into the next presidential term, leaving the candidates to debate a complex and difficult question: Was the real failure Obama's troop withdrawal or Bush's war?

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Jenny Hamel

    KCRW

  • KCRW placeholder

    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

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