The document shows that as early as 2012, U.S. intelligence predicted the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS), but instead of clearly delineating the group as an enemy, the report envisions the terror group as a U.S. strategic asset.
Phi Beta Iota: Hard to believe we were (are?) still doing ALL CAPS reports in the 21st Century. The report is a useful indicator of how conflicted the US Government is. In our experience, there are at least seven US foreign policies, and the CIA is often at odds with the Pentagon while the Department of State and the White House each have their own interpretations of events. There is no such thing as an evidence-based ethical US foreign policy in the public interest.
See Also:
Grand Strategy @ Phi Beta Iota