(CNN) -- American officials are pondering whether to strike ISIS elements in Syria to better contain the group's fearsome power, following its horrific execution of James Foley and the direct threats it has leveled against the United States. As they consider how best to confront the organization, there is good news: The United States and its friends have scored some successes against ISIS in the past month. The administration provided material support to Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi special operations forces, and with judicious use of airstrikes enabled them to repel ISIS attacks northwest and northeast of Baghdad. The Obama administration wisely understood that these military operations are only a short-term fix. The only sustainable solution is a new Iraqi government able to rally a large majority of Iraqis across ethnic and sectarian lines to fight the Islamic State in Syria. Iraqis have come together before to contain such extremists, and they could again.
@highlight
Robert Ford: U.S. mulling strike on ISIS elements in Syria
@highlight
U.S. pressure on Iraq, including to form new government, has bolstered efforts to repel ISIS
@highlight
He says aiding moderate Syria opposition would help them do the same, as al-Assad weakens
@highlight
Ford: Aid should hinge on rebels making new government with shared focus on driving out ISIS
They share the same frustrating imperfections -- such as lack of professional discipline -- as the @placeholder and the Iraqi military, but if they were better armed and financed, the moderate Syrian fighters could be helpful in repelling ISIS.