by Riley Gill

On November 13th, 2015, a coordinated series of attacks occurred in Paris, leaving more than 128 dead and even more injured. The attacks occurred at six different locations in and around Paris, including the Stade de France soccer stadium, which was filled with fans at the time. Other locations including Le Petit Cambodge, La Belle Equipe, Boulevard Voltaire, and the Bataclan were attacked. The Bataclan was holding a concert the night of the attacks, and the Bataclan alone left 89 dead.

Several of the attackers were wearing explosive belts and vests during the attacks. A series of several explosions were set off outside the Stade de France. The concert hall and other targets were attacked with Kalashnikovs and AK-47s.

In the aftermath of the attack, several other countries have joined the efforts in the war against ISIS. Almost immediately after the attacks, France began airstrikes on key ISIS targets, along with American and later British strikes as well.

Today, the debate still hangs over the heads of several governments as to what their involvement is in the war against ISIS.

Most recently, ISIS has attacked San Bernardino, California. Since they attacked American ground, several different opinions have made it to the front of political news. While some say that America needs to remain open to take in refugees, others (like Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump) have made bold, even controversial statements such as the argument to ban all Muslims entering the country.

Other European countries have already closed or severely restricted refugee entry into their territories. It now creates the dilemma of deciding to rescue refugees from their war-torn homelands or to create homeland security and isolate them completely. ISIS continues to tear apart Middle Eastern countries and spread themselves further around the world, and other countries are continuing to join efforts to bring this new breed of terrorism to a halt.