The Lawfare Podcast: Should the U.S. Put Boots on the Ground to Fight ISIS?

Last week, Brookings convened three policy experts, Michael Doran of the Hudson Institute, Brookings fellows Michael O’Hanlon and Jeremy Shapiro, as well as Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) for the first ever Brookings Debate. The central question at hand: Should the United States put boots on the ground to fight ISIS?

As the group continues to advance against Iraqi security forces, is ISIS a threat merely to the region, or instead the U.S. and to the wider world? Or is it a distraction from other, much more important strategic interests? How should the U.S. proceed in its effort to degrade and defeat ISIS? And, if there is a Sarah Palin doctrine, is the Obama administration following it?

Arguing in favor of intervention were Michael Doran and Michael O'Hanlon. Arguing against were Senator Chris Murphy and Jeremy Shapiro. Bloomberg journalist Indira Lakshmanan moderated the debate, while Brookings Executive Vice President Martin Indyk provided opening remarks.

For more from the panel of experts, check out this debate reading list.

Watch the full debate below.