As the United States recalls the devastating attacks of September 11, 2001, terrorist threats continues to grow, one even more brutal and savage than al-Qaeda. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, better known by its acronym ISIS  acquired an unexpected amount of power within the past year.

As an independent army composed of Iraqi, Syrian and other foreign militants, ISIS was formed as result after they were pushed out of the al-Qaeda terrorist group. The groups remain enemies, as al-Qaeda viewed those currently a part of ISIS to be too violent for al-Qaeda’s objectives.

In June, ISIS diverted the Iraqi army that was stationed in Mosul, Iraq, which allowed them to take control over much of the northern region of the country. ISIS now campaigns throughout Iraq and Syria gaining influence through acts of terror. According to a report released by the United Nations, ISIS holds public beheadings, amputations and tortures  on Fridays.  “Civilians, including children, are urged to watch. Bodies of those killed are placed on display for several days, terrorizing the local population,” the report said.

ISIS has particular targets in mind. Christians, Muslims, and anyone who does not agree or comply with ISIS is subject to death. Women have been kidnapped and enslaved, brutally raped, or given to militant leaders as concubines and wives.

ISIS has directly threatened the United States with the  beheadings of  two American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, which occurred within two weeks of each other. Both were video-taped. Foley’s last words  captured on tape,  “I call on my friends, family and loved ones to rise up against my real killers: the U.S. government. For what will happen to me is only a result of their complacency criminology.” Experts conclude that Foley’s killers most likely forced him to make this statement; however, the message is nevertheless chilling.

Sotloff had a similar message before he was killed. He said “Obama, your foreign policy of intervention in Iraq is supposed to be for the preservation  of American lives and interests. So why is it that I’m having to pay the price of your interference with my life? Am I not an American citizen?” Sotloff’s killer then stated, “You, Obama, have yet again, for your actions, killed another American citizen. So just as your missiles continue to strike our people, our knife will continue to strike the necks of your people.”

The killer’s clear British accent also aroused alarming attention to the accumulation of foreign fighters who have joined  ISIS, including Americans. ISIS uses social media, particularly Twitter, in an effort to recruit members. Muslims and Muslim converts from all over the world, including the United States, are increasing in number.

According to a CNN report, the CIA declared that over 80 countries are represented in ISIS. Out of 15,000 foreign fighters, 2,000 are from Western countries. ISIS is now estimated to have between 20,000 and 31,500 fighters in Iraq and Syria.

In an interview with The New Yorker in January, President Obama compared al-Qaeda and ISIS. He said, “The analogy we use around here sometimes, and I think is accurate, is if a JV [junior varsity] team puts on Lakers uniforms, that doesn’t make them Kobe Bryant.” It is now evident that ISIS is no junior varsity team, and the government recognizes this.”

Despite admitting that “We don’t have a strategy yet,” when questioned in a press conference on August 30, President Obama explained the government’s plan of action in an address on September 10. The objective emphasized that the United States plans to “degrade and ultimately destroy the terrorist group known as ISIL.”

Four parts to the plan emerged. Airstrikes will continue to target ISIS, following the 150 successful missiles that have already been launched. “If you threaten America, you will find no safe haven,” said President Obama. 475 ground troops will also be sent to Iraq. The President stressed that there will not be a direct combat mission and ground war is not an option. This choice puts him in a difficult spot, as he brought back 140,000 American troops as one of his campaign promises. The troops will be used to assist with training the Iraqi and Kurdish forces.

United States intelligence will continue to research ISIS as well. Finally, the United States aims to protect and preserve the lives of the innocents being targeted and persecuted by ISIS.  Mike Small, Regina Dominican history teacher, understands the difficult situation President Obama is experiencing. “Obama said ‘no’ to going into Iraq, and he promised to take troops out,” he said.“This is a very serious threat to the country, mainly because of the fact that they are bringing young Americans into the group. They can then come back into the country,” said Small.

Mary Berg 16’ watched President Obama’s speech and recognizes the threat ISIS presents. “The government should take some sort of action. It is important to be well educated about this and people should rally against it. If it affects us, we should know about it,” said Berg.

As stated in his address, President Obama will meet with the United Nations Security Council to discuss ISIS and further plans of action.