US rules out ‘shutting down’ economy in Islamic State areas
The Treasury Department’s top counterterrorism official said Oct. 23 that the United States is reluctant to make life any harder for people living under IS rule.
The Treasury Department’s point man on combating the Islamic State (IS) said Oct. 23 that the United States was opposed to “shutting down” economic activity in IS-controlled areas.
The remarks by Undersecretary David Cohen are a frank acknowledgment of the delicate balancing act the Obama administration faces in its fight against IS. Even as it tries to cut off funding for the terrorist organization, the United States seeks to avoid alienating Iraqis and further destabilizing Baghdad.
