Dold, Schneider talk Islamic State threat
Both candidates running for Illinois' 10th Congressional District seat view the Islamic State group as a danger to the U.S.
But while incumbent Democrat Brad Schneider specifically wants to train Syrian rebels to fight the foe and to fund their battle, Republican challenger Robert Dold believes building a coalition force in the Middle East is the answer.
The Islamic State has been labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. It already rules territory spanning the Syria-Iraq border.
The United States and allies from the Middle East and Europe launched an aerial campaign against the Islamic State in Syria last month. The U.S. has been bombing Islamic State targets in neighboring Iraq since August.
Dold, of Kenilworth, said the world has been asking "Where's America?" when it comes to the Islamic State. He complained about "a lack of leadership" in the White House on the issue.
"I do think this is a very real threat," said Dold, who served two years in the House before losing his seat to Schneider in 2012.
The U.S. must address the problem in "a thoughtful manner," Dold said. He supports the formation of a coalition of Middle Eastern nations to battle the Islamic State.
"So it's not just the United States walking in here," Dold said. "And then we've got to allow those same Arab states or Muslim communities, to govern as they choose."
Dold also said a U.S. military exit strategy is needed.
Schneider, of Deerfield, called the Islamic State "a clear and present danger" to the U.S.
"This is an evil group," he said.
Schneider said he voted to train vetted, local rebels to fight against the Islamic State. He supports the airstrikes but opposes putting U.S. troops on the ground to fight the group.
"The only way that threat can be eliminated is not with (foreign troops)," Schneider said. "It's if the people who are being oppressed by (the Islamic State) stand up and say 'enough' and fight back."
The U.S. should make sure those forces "have the resources" to fight, Schneider said.
Schneider noted that the Islamic State is different from other terrorist organizations because it controls territory and has access to financial resources such as banks and oil production facilities, among other factors.
The 10th Congressional District encompasses much of north and eastern Lake County, as well as a portion of northwest Cook County, including parts of Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights.
Daily Herald wire services contributed to this report.