To the Journal editor:

The threat to global security in the 21st century is here. Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as I.S.I.L. or I.S.I.S., is on the march.

They now have control of roughly half of Syria, as well as a sizable portion of Iraq. Sympathizers from other countries are flocking to them in droves.

Islamic State is responsible for human rights abuses that are beyond words; kidnapping, kill, sexual violence – I could go on but probably don’t have to. Their victims include religious minorities, fellow Sunni Muslims, Kurds, Christians, as well as others.

What other country besides the U.S. has the power and influence to take a leadership role and form a coalition with a comprehensive policy to take the fight directly to the Islamic State? Much like fascism in was Europe in the 20th century, the Islamic State is fueled by hatred and nihilism and its numbers are growing exponentially.

Wishing won’t make them go away. The time for action is now.

Stuart W. Bruce

Marquette