4 ways to engage ISIS

The attacks in Paris come at a time of world crisis. Against the backdrop of the largest immigration distress in European history, there have been three terror attacks in recent weeks: Twin bombings in Beirut (44 dead), the downing of a Russian plane in the Sinai (224 dead), and a ruthless assault in one of the world's great cities (129 dead).

The United States has decided to address the Islamic State threat through a policy of containment. And though we have prosecuted an air war with foreign forces on the ground, President Barack Obama has made it clear that "boots on the ground" is not an option now.

But the time has come to engage ISIS on four fronts.

1. Diplomatic: The Middle East has evolved in such a way that nation states are of paramount importance, and have key motivations to destroy ISIS' ability to expand. Using our considerable economic leverage, the United States must lead a coalition with Russia to ensure diplomatic pressure on countries that might be reluctant to get involved. First, decide on specific goals, metrics for success, commitments and timelines.

2. Military: ISIS has set up its so-called caliphate to provide a recurring revenue source. This must be stopped. In addition to supporting our partners with intelligence and air power, we should block any revenue or supply chains for ISIS-controlled areas with coordinated airstrikes and use of special forces and the Navy. Then, exact punitive measures against countries that insist on doing business with ISIS.

3. Domestic security: In 2008, Mumbai witnessed the brutal targeting of innocent civilians at train stations, hotels and hospitals, (i.e. soft targets). After 9/11, the United States responded by creating a robust and expansive national security apparatus. This many years later, that system needs to be refreshed. Static security leads to overconfidence and under protection. We should redirect some of our resources to soft targets, particularly mass transit. In addition, given the number and variety of stadiums, music halls and theaters, we must continue to develop a base line of security that includes a mix of personnel (behavioral assessment screening), redundant strategies (bomb dogs to back up magnetometers), and technology (cameras with facial recognition capabilities). Our security infrastructure must correct the imbalance of resources between air security and hardening soft targets.

4. Cyber/social media: ISIS' online recruiting has been imaginative and determined. It is ironic that the group can so succeed in this effort given that American society is about marketing and advertising. Why aren't we engaging ISIS on this front -- including the Dark Net? We must shut its communications capabilities where we can, and disseminate a counter narrative to the group's message of hate.

ISIS is constantly evolving to overcome the obstacles that governments across the globe have built to combat its terror. The world's leading enemy should not have the upper hand in a war of preparedness and anticipation.

Michael Balboni, a former state senator and former New York State deputy secretary for public safety, is managing partner for Redland Strategies, a management consulting agency specializing in homeland security.