There are so many groups and fluid allegiances in the area and the overarching umbrella of a religion. Yes, America and the UK have be instrumental in sowing strife in the region to maintain control of oil flow. Any decision currently made is one to ride a tiger.
I don't think that ISIL/ISIS and whatever other group is rumbling around the neighborhood is necessarily a US creation (CIA made out of whole cloth) as some suggest but are more reactionary groups to various grievances at several levels. Dissatisfaction can create some nasty alliances. I do think that there is a danger in letting this horrific group go unchecked. Any state-to-state solution is out of the question right now since this so-called caliphate is not recognized as legitimate by the other nations of the world. To deal with them as anymore than a criminal element gives them legitimacy as a state.
The other thing that is a sticking point for me is what people would see the expected reaction from us to them should one of their agents successfully carry out some violent act in this nation. I don't think that is totally impossible. Probability in this regard is something I don't think I can assess.
ISIS/ISIL has been killing their own peoples and not just western journalists. If hands off is the desired approach, then everyone needs to get comfortable with many more deaths because this is as much about rejecting western cultural influence as well as pol would expect that there be no lamenting lack of action on our part over the bloodshed. A purge of western influences also means that you must make peace with the idea that those who are seeking power will keep the region as firmly rooted in medieval times as possible. They are playing for keeps.
I simply don't know what I would like to see us do. I don't see any clear path that doesn't involve pain for many.
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