How big is ISIS? Are they bigger than Al Qaeda? Is it the same bunch of guys?

[NightWatcher]

They are being pitched to us as a brutal force, but do they have the strength to really do anything?

I'm completely ignorant on the matter. I know they beheaded the journalist and they cornered some Christians on a mountain...that turned out to not be really too much of anything. Other than that, I don't know their motivation, allegiances, financiers, supporters...

I've stopped paying attention to the ramblings of the Offense Department and mainstream media. Are we being sold a rebranded Al Qaeda pitch from 2001-2002?

[CJCRANE]

1. How many Syrian rebels did we train?

[NightWatcher]

2. more or less than the Mujahideen that we armed back in the 80's- 90's?

and they became Al Qaeda.

I'm beginning to think that we are purposefully arming and training these groups so that we have someone to fight the next year.

[CJCRANE]

3. Otherwise we'd have to spend the money on our own infrastructure

and helping people.

But that won't bring in campaign contributions.

Watch out for who's going to run on "spreading freedom" around the world.

[HooptieWagon]

4. Started out at about 1000. Now about 6000.

According to stories I've read, so take it with a grain of salt. Possible they include some AQ, idk. They've apparently gotten some arms and funding by looting military bases and banks they've captured. Reportedly get some degree of support from wealthy Saudis, as AQ did.
I don't know the danger they pose to US. Probably little, b/c their activities appear to be oriented towards direct war, vs suicide terror attacks. I doubt they'll try to wage a war against US allies Israel or Turkey, though they may stage a border raid if they perceive a weak spot near an attractive target. AFAICT, their intent is to take over ME countries that are weak, or have weakened leadership. I wouldn't give any credence to their claim of wanting to take over Spain. N Africa they might try. They are trying to revive the "glory" of the Ottoman Empire, which collapsed from poor leadership and inability to compete in a modern world economy. Not much has changed in the region in that regard, other than discovery of oil, so I don't foresee the possibility of an "empire" in their future... just the inevidible squabbling between several tin-pot warlords.

[CJCRANE]

5. They are mostly foreigners too

including a lot of Westerners.

Eventually the local Sunnis will realize they have no legitimacy and wish they hadn't invited them into their communities.