ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines theories of leadership and cycles in presidential rule to show the reasons for change and continuities in terrorism strategy from Bush to Obama. The central argument is that Obama's rhetorical leadership fell short of transformative leadership. The 44th president withdrew a large number of troops from the two conflict theaters, yet the terrorism problem persisted, drawing into question a popular premise that military intervention causes terrorism. Expectations for a lengthy battle comprising dramatic military strikes, covert operations, and defensive measures against terrorism to protect Americans ran high. Obama came to office with high hopes for transforming the politics of counterterrorism while maintaining the Bush legacy of centrality, seriousness, and the prominence of the terrorism issue. The Islamic State in Syria (ISIS) strategy for self-sustaining revenue includes oil production, smuggling, ransoms from kidnappings, and extortions. In the 2015 annual report on terrorism, the US State Department declared that ISIS was becoming a greater threat than al Qaeda.
