After Yesterday's Major Democrat Congressional Defeats, Speculation Grows Of A Shift In White House Policy Against The Islamic State

Obama to ask Congress to back use of military force against IS. © REUTERS/ Jonathan Ernst

Republican Triumph Could Force Obama’s Hand On Islamic State -- Patrick Dickson, Stars and Stripes

WASHINGTON — The Republican rout in Tuesday’s midterm elections is widely seen as a repudiation of President Barack Obama’s policies, and high on the list of public discontent is the White House’s foreign policy.

Democrats took a beating at all levels, but the most significant defeat came in the Senate. By taking seven seats from the Democrats with three still in play Wednesday morning, Republicans commandeered both Houses of Congress, and will in January take over committee chairmanships.

John McCain is expected to take the top spot on the Senate Armed Services Committee, elevating pre-election criticism of Obama’s handling of the fight against Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria to governance.

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My Comment: My bet is that President Obama will go to the Republicans to expand and escalate U.S. military involvement in the war against the Islamic State. He wants political cover in case things go wrong, and I am willing to bet that the embolden Republican party will be giving it to him.