As the Administration and Congress review America’s strategy in Syria, one element that cannot be overlooked is the essential role our diplomacy and global development tools play in winning the peace. As General Dunford has said, “For us to be successful against ISIS… it will be important for us to leverage all the capabilities that our nation has – diplomatically, economically, and militarily.”

Since 9/11, the rallying cry of our military leaders has always been that if we leave behind a vacuum then the bad guys will fill the void. With the fall of ISIS in Raqqa and Mosul, America’s investments in civilian stabilization programs must be non-negotiable.