Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) is the U.S.-led multinational coalition formed to address the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. The operation began in 2014 and continues to date, focusing on defeating ISIS, stabilizing liberated areas, and supporting the Iraqi and Syrian governments in their efforts to prevent the resurgence of the terrorist organization.

Background:

In 2014, ISIS gained significant territorial control in Iraq and Syria, capturing large swaths of land, including major cities such as Mosul and Raqqa. The group’s rapid expansion, extreme brutality, and intention to establish a caliphate in the heart of the Middle East posed a severe threat to regional and global security. In response, the United States formed a coalition of countries to combat ISIS through a coordinated military and diplomatic effort.

Objectives:

Operation Inherent Resolve aims to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIS, working closely with regional partners to achieve the following objectives:

1. Military Support: OIR provides military assistance to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), helping to build their capacity to combat ISIS on the ground. This support includes training, advising, and equipping these forces, as well as providing air support and intelligence.
2. Humanitarian Assistance: The coalition offers humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. This assistance is critical to addressing the immediate needs of the affected population and ensuring that the basic humanitarian conditions are met.
3. Stabilization Efforts: OIR supports stabilization initiatives in areas liberated from ISIS, working to restore essential services and infrastructure. These efforts are vital for creating the conditions that enable the safe and voluntary return of IDPs and refugees to their homes.
4. Preventing the Resurgence of ISIS: The coalition focuses on preventing the resurgence of ISIS, working with the Iraqi and Syrian governments to build their capacity to effectively counter the group’s ideology and prevent it from regaining a foothold in the region.

Progress and Impact:

Operation Inherent Resolve has achieved significant progress in the fight against ISIS, leading to the liberation of large territories previously held by the terrorist organization, including the recapture of Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria. These successes have greatly diminished the group’s ability to control territory and carry out large-scale attacks, significantly weakening its influence and operational capacity.

However, despite these military victories, the situation in Iraq and Syria remains fragile, with concerns about the resurgence of ISIS and ongoing political, social, and economic challenges. Stabilizing liberated areas and ensuring the long-term defeat of ISIS requires continued support from the international community, focusing on capacity-building, reconciliation, and reconstruction efforts.

Challenges:

Operation Inherent Resolve faces several ongoing challenges in its efforts to defeat ISIS and stabilize the region:

1. Ensuring Long-term Stability: While significant progress has been made in liberating territory from ISIS control, ensuring long-term stability in Iraq and Syria requires continued efforts to address underlying political, social, and economic issues, including sectarian tensions and governance challenges.
2. Displaced Populations: Millions of Iraqis and Syrians have been displaced by the conflict, and addressing their needs remains a critical component of the stabilization efforts. Providing humanitarian assistance, facilitating their safe and voluntary return, and promoting reconciliation are essential to preventing future instability.
3. Foreign Fighters and Radicalization: The threat posed by foreign fighters and radicalized individuals returning to their home countries remains a key concern for the international community. Addressing this challenge requires a coordinated global effort to share intelligence, strengthen border security, and counter the extremist ideology that fuels such movements.
4. Balancing Interests of Regional Actors: Operation Inherent Resolve involves coordinating the interests and actions of various regional and global actors, including the Iraqi and Syrian governments, theKurdish forces, Turkey, Iran, and Russia, among others. Navigating the complex web of relationships, alliances, and rivalries among these stakeholders can be challenging, but it is crucial to achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict and ensuring long-term stability in the region.

Future Prospects:

The future trajectory of Operation Inherent Resolve and its impact on Iraq and Syria will depend on various factors, including the ongoing commitment of the United States and its coalition partners, the effectiveness of the Iraqi and Syrian governments in consolidating gains, and the broader regional dynamics.

1. Continued International Support: The sustained commitment of the United States and its coalition partners to support the Iraqi and Syrian governments in their efforts to maintain security, promote stability, and prevent the resurgence of ISIS is crucial for the operation’s long-term success.
2. Capacity Building and Governance: Strengthening the capacity of the Iraqi and Syrian governments to effectively govern liberated areas, address underlying social and economic challenges, and counter extremist ideologies will be critical in ensuring that the gains made against ISIS are not reversed.
3. Regional Cooperation: Promoting cooperation among regional actors, including facilitating dialogue and confidence-building measures, is essential for addressing the root causes of instability and preventing the reemergence of extremist groups like ISIS.
4. Reconstruction and Reconciliation: The large-scale reconstruction efforts needed in both Iraq and Syria require substantial financial and technical support from the international community. Furthermore, promoting reconciliation and addressing grievances among the diverse communities in the region will be vital to fostering lasting peace and stability.

In conclusion, Operation Inherent Resolve has made significant progress in degrading and diminishing the threat posed by ISIS in Iraq and Syria. However, the challenges that lie ahead demand sustained international commitment, ongoing support for capacity-building, and a focus on addressing the root causes of instability in the region. The legacy of Operation Inherent Resolve will ultimately depend on the ability of the Iraqi and Syrian governments, with the support of the international community, to build on the progress made so far and create a secure, stable, and prosperous future for their people.