In the face of such a threat, the United States should make a concerted effort to counter ISIS. Sending military advisers to aid in intelligence analysis and strategic planning is the preliminary stage of US involvement in this conflict. If the advisers are able to aid in identifying opposition targets, US airstrikes should be used to give Iraqi security forces assistance in retaking territory.
Diplomatically, the United States should encourage the government of Iraqi Kurdistan to take a leading military role against ISIS. If encouragement does not suffice, there are other opportunities to entice the Kurdistan Regional Government by relaxing restrictions on the sales of oil that originates from the region and access to additional oil fields.