It is late in the afternoon. I sit down to watch the evening news. Then, the breaking news screen flashes on. The news reporter talks about a killing in Iraq. This is not the normal story of soldier being shot in combat. There is a picture of a man covered in black, knife in his hand, standing next to an innocent hostage in an orange suit, kneeling down. The news reporter then says that this man has been beheaded by the man in black. Why did this innocent man have to die a painful death?

 I feel pain, rage and sorrow inside. It’s obvious that the news anchor is sad too.

These “monsters” are known as ISIL, or Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. They are more commonly known as ISIS. They are a group of terrorists scattered across the Middle East, from Syria to Afghanistan. Why are they such a big deal? The United Nations has held ISIS responsible of war crimes and human rights abuses. They have killed hundreds of prisoners-of-war and over 1,000 civilians. Other crimes include the kidnapping and rape of women and girls and turning children as young as nine into soldiers. These crimes, especially the beheadings, have been increasing at an alarming rate.

“They do this because our country doesn’t show strength,” 9th grade teacher Irene Tanaka said.

“This has to do with Israel and their extinction,” 9th grade teacher and football coach Joseph Cho said.

ISIS has been declared a threat to this country and others around the world.

“They are not just a threat to the U.S., but to worldwide peace as well,” Tanaka said. “That’s why they’re called terrorists.”

Countries, such as America, Australia and Canada that are against ISIS have done some debating about this growing situation. First is the recruitment. ISIS recruits young people by persuading them to fight for their cause and justice.

“We won’t be able to stop it, but we can slow it down,” Cho said. “You have to understand that this goes back thousands of years.”

Next is the argument on whether we should send troops to fight ISIS.

“We will send troops,” Cho said.

“It depends on our world leaders,” Tanaka said. “I’m not sure because our president continues to push and cross the line.”

I personally believe that the UN should send troops to fight ISIS. It’s not likely that they will stop on their own. The U.S. has already dropped bombs on ISIS locations, and about 6,000 members were killed as a result. The chance for a war increases as they grow bigger and as they kill more people. Japan and Britain are already ready for battle against them. We should join them 

As the news channel switches over to the local weather, I stare at the screen thinking, “What is our future going to be like? Will we reach some form of agreement? Or will we be thrust into another war like Iraq and Afghanistan?”