The threat to the region is large and growing, and it menaces people everywhere, as extremist fighters return home and still others who never left are inspired to do terrible things. Indeed, though the Middle East is facing an abundance of challenges to its stability, none is as large, dangerous, and immediate as the Islamic State.
现状所涉及的利益——人道、经济和战略利益——不可谓不巨。数十万人失去了生计；数百万人无家可归。石油价格低迷，但如果沙特阿拉伯遭遇恐怖袭击或发生动荡，石油价格就会反弹。中东地区的威胁是巨大的，并且还在上升，全世界的人都在担心极端主义斗士回国以及一直呆在国内的人受恐怖主义影响。事实上，尽管中东面临着诸多稳定挑战，但没有一样像伊斯兰国那样巨大、危险和紧迫。