Contributed.pdf

The US formed a global coalition to "degrade and ultimately defeat" the Islamic State (IS) in September 2014, with over 60 nations and partner organizations participating, contributing military forces or resources. The coalition is organized along five "lines of effort": supporting military operations, stopping foreign terrorist fighters, cutting off IS financing, addressing humanitarian relief, and exposing IS' true nature. There are currently 66 participants, including countries such as Afghanistan, Australia, and the UK, with each contributing in a manner commensurate with its national interests and comparative advantage. Contributions include both military and non-military assistance, such as humanitarian aid and weaponry. The legal basis for the coalition is several UN Security Council Resolutions, although some participants have cited the Iraqi Government's request for defense assistance as a further legal basis. The US contribution to the military campaign is based on the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) and the 2002 AUMF. The military component of the coalition, Operation Inherent Resolve, began on August 8, 2014, and currently has three primary objectives: destroying IS in Iraq and Syria, combating its worldwide spread, and protecting homelands.