The rise of the ultra-violent group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has revealed an unsettling truth: Top Obama administration officials do not appear to be communicating with each other as they scramble to address the growing terrorist threat.

For example, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest found himself in the uncomfortable position Tuesday afternoon of having to “clarify” remarks made earlier in the day by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey to the Senate Armed Services Committee.