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USD Professor Examines What's Next in ISIS Fight

Saul Loeb/AP

In an address to the nation last night, President Obama outlined his administration’s strategy against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or ISIS. He announced a broad campaign that includes American airstrikes in Syria and the deployment of 475 more military advises to Iraq.

During his 14-minute speech, the President sought to dispel concerns that the U.S. was repeating the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and said that he would not send combat troops into the conflict. The operation will also involve Saudi Arabia hosting the training of Free Syrian Army militia.

University of South Dakota political science professor Tim Schorn joined Dakota Midday to discuss President Obama's strategy and the complex alliances involved. Schorn teaches Middle Eastern politics and is director of USD’s International Studies Program.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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