well it is their country and all major problems/situations will be resolved by them . The USA wants things/credits they don't need or deserve. the US needs to solve the myriad problems in America. spend some of the money, directed at war, on helping the marginalized people problem that racism created: no jobs, bad food, very poor housing, terrible education mainly because the educator can't or won't tell the truth about past or present.
It is quite shameful to see the weapons and ammunition that the US claims to be sending to the Kurds is actually going to Baghdad FOR the Kurds and is being used to arm the Shiite militias - so that it will actually end up being used against the Kurds.
Somewhere along the line the White House has lost its moral compass in its efforts to appease the Ayatollah who controls the Baghdad government. Shame on Obama, Clinton and Kerry. Shame Shame Shame.
Somewhere along the line the White House has lost its moral compass in its efforts to appease the Ayatollah who controls the Baghdad government. Shame on Obama, Clinton and Kerry. Shame Shame Shame.
1
The defeat of Isil is the goal and it appaers it is coming to fruition; for a brief moment there is unity and a common bond between Shiites and Sunnis as both face a familiar enemy. The US must not commit boots even as the Iranian soldiers are taking the lead in the fight against Isil. If the primary objective is to defeat Isil and the Iranians are committed to the fight, the US, for better or worse, must recognize that Iran is becoming a power in the region. As with the negotiations with Iran, the US must adhere to a wait and see attitude once Isil is defeated. Because Iran is successful in its drive against Isil, the US must resist temptation to allocate which nation should do the fighting. We have touched the region politically, diplomatically and militarily and there is very little to show for it. Regardless of the mess that has been created, it is time for the region to be masters of their history; even if Iran has a greater role in it!
1
Is this blow by blow, street by street reporting of the offensive to gain control wise? Would it not be better for the Iraqi forces to actually gain complete control of the city before reporting, at least an interim 'victory'? Interim? Well keeping the ISIS forces at bay may well prove difficult if Iraqi forces are unable to sustain the necessary military commitment required to hold the city.
1
I think the U.S. should spend another trillion dollars over the next 10 years trying to glue a broken Iraq back together again, as well as heal the 1300 year old religious, tribal and sectarian split between the Islamic Shia factions and the Sunnis there, most of whom see the Shia as infidels. And while we are at it, we should insist that the Kurds make nice with the rest of Iraq, and with Turkey as well. And while doing all this, we should make it look as though the puppet leaders of Iraq that we installed were the ones to accomplish all of these modern miracles.
Of course, Saddam Hussein had accomplished all of these things by about 1982. He was never going to win any Nobel Peace prizes. Maybe we should have another award, one which is bestowed on brutal dictators, who accomplish things all the guns and money from the West can't accomplish. Call this award the Ignoble Beast prize.
Is the Middle East better off for what we've done in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen and elsewhere in the past 35 years, or is it less stable and more hostile to our interests there? This is our tax dollars implementing American exceptionalism to great effect in foreign lands. Are we making good investments? No.
2
Iraq has been an enduring migraine headache since our ill advised invasion. If Iran wants to step up and assume the burden of that headache let them. Sooner or later they are destined to once again become a dominant force in the region as had been the Persian Empire. We should not, and need not be overly involved in the region.
When this ISIS phase is rolled back in Iraq the world will owe a debt of gratitude to of all countries Iran. Under Iranian direction Iraqi forces are doing what American advisors are incapable of doing and that is not only bringing tactical discipline to the Iraqi Army and militia’s but also encouraging them in their hearts to fight.
Arrogant and preening Americans can no more do that in Iraq than they could in Afghanistan or Viet Nam. Americans are so preoccupied with the material of war that they have become numb to what makes men and women fight and sacrifice.
Arrogant and preening Americans can no more do that in Iraq than they could in Afghanistan or Viet Nam. Americans are so preoccupied with the material of war that they have become numb to what makes men and women fight and sacrifice.
5
One of the many consequences that the Bush Administration should have considered before it blundered into Iraq, and liberated the Shia Crescent, was the fact that the voting majority in Iraq was Shia. To take down Saddam Hussein by regime change in favor of democracy, was to guarantee that the Government of Iran would fragment into Kurds, Shia, and Sunni only to bring chaos to what had formerly been Iraq. Naturally, the power of government would be monopolized by the Shia Majority, and just as naturally they would align with Shia Iran.
Yes, the invasion of Iraq was so bad an idea as to have appeared demented and perversely self destructive. Now we have to pay for Bush's ignorance of the importance of Iraq's sectarian divisions, and we will pay for a long time.
"Greater minds" like that of Rush Limbaugh lambasted those of us who knew better as timid and unpatriotic, and the censors in the consolidated media went to work to blocking the opinions of anyone who actually knew better.
The glue which holds together Israel, the Sunni Royals, and the US in an unstated coalition against the Shia States, is the imperative to contain Iran's potential to dominate by virtue of resources and the accident of geography, the pipeline distribution of gas to Asia and Europe.
ISIS exists in synchronicity with the goals of the anti Shia Coalition, and Iran, which is the only regional player who is effectively committed to destroying ISIS, is doing what comes naturally. Breaking ISIS.
Yes, the invasion of Iraq was so bad an idea as to have appeared demented and perversely self destructive. Now we have to pay for Bush's ignorance of the importance of Iraq's sectarian divisions, and we will pay for a long time.
"Greater minds" like that of Rush Limbaugh lambasted those of us who knew better as timid and unpatriotic, and the censors in the consolidated media went to work to blocking the opinions of anyone who actually knew better.
The glue which holds together Israel, the Sunni Royals, and the US in an unstated coalition against the Shia States, is the imperative to contain Iran's potential to dominate by virtue of resources and the accident of geography, the pipeline distribution of gas to Asia and Europe.
ISIS exists in synchronicity with the goals of the anti Shia Coalition, and Iran, which is the only regional player who is effectively committed to destroying ISIS, is doing what comes naturally. Breaking ISIS.
4
As usual I write something at 0100 AM, and it is allowed by the censors at the end of the day.
Actually, I resubmitted this comment because I thought that it was probably censored the first time. Who knows? My comments which are not profane are often censored. I think because I actually understand the Middle East and its politics, and my conclusions are not in sync with the Party Line, as in the American War Parties Line. Therefore they must be suppressed by the enablers of the War Party at the NYT.
Such is the condition of journalism in America today. The Big Lie must be protected, in spite of the fact that it has never failed to fool most people, most of the time.
What is happening in Iraq and Syria today reminds me of America's Indian Wars, when tribes were driven hither and yon by an acquisitive America, dependent upon how easily land or resources could be extracted from them, but on a larger scale. We are supposed to believe that this is all about Islamic Terror, or Freedom and Democracy.
All evidence is to the contrary, but if you believe the Party Line, then the Big Lie has worked again as it has always done. You censors ought to relax and chill a little. "The Bodyguard" of lies is safely in place. Most people will never surrender the illusion that their country would never so egregiously lie to them on matters of war and peace.
Actually, I resubmitted this comment because I thought that it was probably censored the first time. Who knows? My comments which are not profane are often censored. I think because I actually understand the Middle East and its politics, and my conclusions are not in sync with the Party Line, as in the American War Parties Line. Therefore they must be suppressed by the enablers of the War Party at the NYT.
Such is the condition of journalism in America today. The Big Lie must be protected, in spite of the fact that it has never failed to fool most people, most of the time.
What is happening in Iraq and Syria today reminds me of America's Indian Wars, when tribes were driven hither and yon by an acquisitive America, dependent upon how easily land or resources could be extracted from them, but on a larger scale. We are supposed to believe that this is all about Islamic Terror, or Freedom and Democracy.
All evidence is to the contrary, but if you believe the Party Line, then the Big Lie has worked again as it has always done. You censors ought to relax and chill a little. "The Bodyguard" of lies is safely in place. Most people will never surrender the illusion that their country would never so egregiously lie to them on matters of war and peace.
4
If the US has any sense, then it will stay out of this fight, which has been raging for 1500 years. No outsider can really have a serious, long term impact. Lock your Senators away in a cupboard for a while; as they pursue the vested interests of one small, belligerent country in the region, they do more damage to the US they they realise, or I suspect, care.
Look to your own interests. The Saudi's and other Sunni states are bankrolling these ISIS maniacs, just as they bankrolled the 9/11 bunch.
Iran has tended to content itself behind its own borders for decades, so its a worry that it is now venturing forth, but it sees enemies all around itself.
It may be that this ISIS phenomenon is a precursor to a redrawing of colonial borders, set 90 years ago, with a straight edge, and a closed mind. We should recognise that may well be a 'good thing' for all concerned !
Look to your own interests. The Saudi's and other Sunni states are bankrolling these ISIS maniacs, just as they bankrolled the 9/11 bunch.
Iran has tended to content itself behind its own borders for decades, so its a worry that it is now venturing forth, but it sees enemies all around itself.
It may be that this ISIS phenomenon is a precursor to a redrawing of colonial borders, set 90 years ago, with a straight edge, and a closed mind. We should recognise that may well be a 'good thing' for all concerned !
1
The conflict between certain Sunni and Shia sectarian factions in the Middle East today has little to do with religious differences and everything to do with modern identity politics perpetuated by our government and its ME allies. Western powers and their local allies have sought to exacerbate these false divisions in order to propagate conflict and maintain a Middle East, which is at once thoroughly divided and incapable of asserting itself.
Were they truly enemies, millions of people of both sects would have stopped peacefully converging on their annual Hajj pilgrimage many centuries ago. Shia and Sunni Muslim scholars have long engaged in dialogue and influenced the religious thought of one another for centuries, blurring the already largely superficial distinctions between the two communities. As a legacy of this, today the greatest seat of learning in Sunni Islam also teaches Shia theology as an integrated school of thought. The truth is that if such an historical division existed Sunnis and Shias would not have been intermarrying and living in the same neighborhoods up to the 21st century.
If the US truly wants Islam to continue as a constructive social phenomenon, it is important to preserve these traditional relationships and ways of life instead of provoking modern ideologies masquerading as historical truths.
Were they truly enemies, millions of people of both sects would have stopped peacefully converging on their annual Hajj pilgrimage many centuries ago. Shia and Sunni Muslim scholars have long engaged in dialogue and influenced the religious thought of one another for centuries, blurring the already largely superficial distinctions between the two communities. As a legacy of this, today the greatest seat of learning in Sunni Islam also teaches Shia theology as an integrated school of thought. The truth is that if such an historical division existed Sunnis and Shias would not have been intermarrying and living in the same neighborhoods up to the 21st century.
If the US truly wants Islam to continue as a constructive social phenomenon, it is important to preserve these traditional relationships and ways of life instead of provoking modern ideologies masquerading as historical truths.
1
That Iran is taking a leadership role is completely unsurprising. We deposed Saddam Hussein, who imposed the rule of minority Sunnis over the majority Shia in Iraq and who fought a brutal war against Iran, with American help. With him gone, the majority Shia took over and Iran of course stepped into Iraqi affairs. The point of this article is the balancing act required by the current Iraq leader Abadi to keep a lid on the Shia majority in his country and Iran's role there so that he can continue to get American aid. I personally hope he accomplishes that and that Iraq can succeed as a pluralistic country, But it's amazingly disingenuous for our GOP leaders in Congress to ignore our role in creating this situation, through the unnecessary war fought by GW Bush, and worse than disingenuous for them to bring in Netanyahu to lecture us about Iran's increasing power in Iraq. Does he think we are ALL stupid? Or just a sufficient number of us?
1
• American officials have expressed concerns that the presence of those forces in the Iraqi Sunni heartland could risk the same kind of sectarian alienation that left the country vulnerable to ISIS in first place.
The same kind of sectarian alienation brought about [by the presence of American forces] in the first place.
What American officials are concerned about is that Iraqi forces and Shiite militias (i.e.: unofficial Iraqi forces) led by Iranian military officials can do the work without them.
The same kind of sectarian alienation brought about [by the presence of American forces] in the first place.
What American officials are concerned about is that Iraqi forces and Shiite militias (i.e.: unofficial Iraqi forces) led by Iranian military officials can do the work without them.
3
The slaughter and tragedy they unleashed with their lies, stupidity and arrogance will not reach their end in my lifetime.
As I watch another major Iraqi city where people lived and raised their children destroyed, I am enraged that George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and the rest of the neo cons have never been held been held to account for their crimes against humanity.
Now Senate Republicans and Presidential hopefuls like Rand Paul are champing at at the bit, promising to attack Iran if Republicans gain complete control of the reins of government in 2016.
The asylum doors have been flung wide, and mad men (and a few madwomen) are running this country, egged on to greater and greater folly by rich megalomaniacs willing to finance their lust for world dominance.
This will not end well for America, no matter how many cities in the Middle East are turned to ashes to dislodge ISIS and how many battles are won by "our side."
We have sown the wind and will inevitably reap the whirlwind.
Yet Bush and Cheney and the rest appear to sleep soundly at night without the slightest scintilla of guilt. Bush is invited to take a prominent part in the 50th anniversary observance of the Selma march for civil rights. Cheney is a popular guest on talk shows to share his "wisdom" with the masses.
As I watch another major Iraqi city where people lived and raised their children destroyed, I am enraged that George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and the rest of the neo cons have never been held been held to account for their crimes against humanity.
Now Senate Republicans and Presidential hopefuls like Rand Paul are champing at at the bit, promising to attack Iran if Republicans gain complete control of the reins of government in 2016.
The asylum doors have been flung wide, and mad men (and a few madwomen) are running this country, egged on to greater and greater folly by rich megalomaniacs willing to finance their lust for world dominance.
This will not end well for America, no matter how many cities in the Middle East are turned to ashes to dislodge ISIS and how many battles are won by "our side."
We have sown the wind and will inevitably reap the whirlwind.
Yet Bush and Cheney and the rest appear to sleep soundly at night without the slightest scintilla of guilt. Bush is invited to take a prominent part in the 50th anniversary observance of the Selma march for civil rights. Cheney is a popular guest on talk shows to share his "wisdom" with the masses.
2
Countries have temporary friends and permanent interests. If it suits the USA that ISIL be defeated, as it should, then the USA should not complain about how it is being done. One thing at a time. Once ISIL is defeated (with US and other countries' military help), the Government of Iraq will need to pick-up the pieces and put their country back together again. US "policy" there has accomplished very little nation-building for the huge expenditure of lives and money its previous efforts have cost it. I believe the current administration understands the practical and legitimate limits of its future involvement there.
The fact is that Shia and Sunni in Iraq as in Syria is much less relevant for Iraqis or Syrians! even today!
These are the western categorisations (particularly British Invented divisions) that helps create good-guys and bad-guys and create division.
All these countries population have historically lived together without major religious antagonism.
It would not be impossible for these "historical cultures" to overcome the negative elements of "Arab mentality/religious differences" to regain their cultural identity of tolerance...again.....
These are the western categorisations (particularly British Invented divisions) that helps create good-guys and bad-guys and create division.
All these countries population have historically lived together without major religious antagonism.
It would not be impossible for these "historical cultures" to overcome the negative elements of "Arab mentality/religious differences" to regain their cultural identity of tolerance...again.....
1
How grateful are the Iraqis for the support they receive from the US-led coalition?
There seems to be much bickering and foul play within the Iraqi army! Why would they want to investigate "whether a warplane from the American-led coalition against ISIS bombed troops in Anbar Province on Wednesday evening". To rescue the situation, "one representative of the Defense Ministry said that the troops had been killed by an ISIS bomb".
These "armed men in uniforms with the insignia of a special forces unit and other regular government forces" who had committed atrocities could undermine the government's authority and its cooperation with the coalition!
There seems to be much bickering and foul play within the Iraqi army! Why would they want to investigate "whether a warplane from the American-led coalition against ISIS bombed troops in Anbar Province on Wednesday evening". To rescue the situation, "one representative of the Defense Ministry said that the troops had been killed by an ISIS bomb".
These "armed men in uniforms with the insignia of a special forces unit and other regular government forces" who had committed atrocities could undermine the government's authority and its cooperation with the coalition!
1
So that is the same Tikrit that was Saddam Hussein's stronghold - you know when he was in control of the whole of Iraq - before the American invasion because he was supposed to have weapons of mass destruction - which he didn't have. But Saddam Hussein is conveniently deceased. Pity. Perhaps he could have given some advice of how to keep the different tribes under control - as he did - before 137 members of the Coalition of the Willing invaded the country and totally destabilised it and .........
2
You know what we need; a big banner that says 'Mission Accomplished' and a bunch of High 5s by people who haven't a clue what to do next. Then get a rookie Senator to write a letter to Iraq telling them what to do next to bring democracy and Big R republican values to the place. Job done.
3
Just another example of Barry's leadership style: play the violin, not address the problem, and it ALL gets bigger & more complex!
American officials are worried about Shia and Iranian led militias participating in the Tikrit offensive?
Really?
American officials have done nothing but get EVERYTHING wrong in Iraq since 1991.
Let's see: approximately child 500,000 deaths in the 90's because of US embargoes on the country-Democrats
The 2003 invasion-Republicans.
The ensuing civil war.
Taking all the troops away abruptly in 2011-Democrats back
Iran, without expending any treasure or blood (US paid 4,000 lives, 30,0000 serious injuries, 2 trillion dollars, tremendous loss of international prestige)ends up controlling Iraq.
American officails know squat, period.
Really?
American officials have done nothing but get EVERYTHING wrong in Iraq since 1991.
Let's see: approximately child 500,000 deaths in the 90's because of US embargoes on the country-Democrats
The 2003 invasion-Republicans.
The ensuing civil war.
Taking all the troops away abruptly in 2011-Democrats back
Iran, without expending any treasure or blood (US paid 4,000 lives, 30,0000 serious injuries, 2 trillion dollars, tremendous loss of international prestige)ends up controlling Iraq.
American officails know squat, period.
3
When George W. Bush sent troops into Iraq in 2003, he just proved once again that "the Devil you know may be better than the Devil you don't know". How did he and his Administration come to feel that Iraq, a People that had been in existence for 6,000 years, needed Democracy. Both al-Maliki and now Haider have been dead set on irradiating all Sunnis--ever since "we" couldn't leave well enough alone.
The Neo-cons also demonstrated how ridiculously stupid they were. The stand-off between Iraq and Iran formed the fragile balance-of-power that kept the whole Region together. Once he broke, as Colin Powell stated at the time, "the Pottery Barn Rule", he bought it. And we, the American people, have been paying for it ever since. In effect, they created ISIS, al Qaeda, etc.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
The Neo-cons also demonstrated how ridiculously stupid they were. The stand-off between Iraq and Iran formed the fragile balance-of-power that kept the whole Region together. Once he broke, as Colin Powell stated at the time, "the Pottery Barn Rule", he bought it. And we, the American people, have been paying for it ever since. In effect, they created ISIS, al Qaeda, etc.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
The events in Tikrit simply reveal (yet again) the bankruptcy of American policy in Iraq. Once we decided to invade the country and impose "democracy" it was inevitable that the Shia majority would seek to dominate the Sunni minority on the one hand, and establish a close relationship with Iran on the other. This was obvious in 2002-03, and should have caused the Bush administration to seek a détente of some kind with Iran. The Obama administration, in spite of the nuclear talks with Iran, is repeating Bush's mistakes in Iraq. What's really scary is that the people in charge in both administrations never grasped the Sunni-Shia dynamic. Given this astonishing and deplorable fact, it's clear that we should never have become involved in Iraqi affairs.
In any case, we should welcome the defeat that Isis has suffered in Tikrit. They are simply too small a group to dominate such a large area for long. Success has gone to their heads, and now they are beginning to pay the price for over-extending themselves.
In any case, we should welcome the defeat that Isis has suffered in Tikrit. They are simply too small a group to dominate such a large area for long. Success has gone to their heads, and now they are beginning to pay the price for over-extending themselves.
26
To be fair, Jon, the Shia-Sunni dynamic, at least in its current manifestation, is a relatively new one. Although the majority of active opposition to Saddam/Ba'ath came from the Da'wa party (Shia based), the breakdown in relations between Shia and Sunni at the "street level" is relatively recent. For those who left Iraq when your politics was not exclusively determined by your ethnicity (in saying this, I recognise that more Sunnis, especially rural Sunnis supported the Ba'ath and more Shi'a (as well as Jewish and Christian Iraqis supported the Communists) this has been a shock. Given a large number of these people were advising the US in the run up to the war, it's understandable that mistakes were made. Not excusable but understandable.
I remember watching a press conference many years ago where Donald Rumsfeld was asked what he thought of a future, elected Iraqi government choosing to ally itself with Iran. Ever the democrat that he was, if I remember rightly, he said "well they won't be allowed to".
Risible.
I remember watching a press conference many years ago where Donald Rumsfeld was asked what he thought of a future, elected Iraqi government choosing to ally itself with Iran. Ever the democrat that he was, if I remember rightly, he said "well they won't be allowed to".
Risible.
1
Very large number of civilians and military, who fighting against the ISIS, die and become maimed during American airstrikes. This is a very serious problem that can lead to significant conflict.
3
If you are so concerned about civilian deaths in areas under ISIL control tell that to your own government which has seriously prolonged the civil war in Syria by arming and championing a corrupt and nasty dictatorship for far too long.
2
While any unintentional deaths by saying-called friendly is tragic, I do not see reports of "large numbers" of these deaths occurring as a result of US air strikes.
" But if these Shiite militias stay as the backbone of the Iraqi security forces, while keeping their leadership structure intact, which is the way we’re going right now, there will by no means be a powerful Abadi. There will always be other actors, like Maliki and others, interfering.”"
Gosh, that sounds messy....a lot like Democracy. How can we ever deal with them if there is not one dictator we set up on our payroll?
Sounds to me as though Obama's strategy to let these people solve their own problems with minimal US involvement is working. Glory be.
Gosh, that sounds messy....a lot like Democracy. How can we ever deal with them if there is not one dictator we set up on our payroll?
Sounds to me as though Obama's strategy to let these people solve their own problems with minimal US involvement is working. Glory be.
9
Sectarianism is just as dangerous as ISIL. Iraq has a long battle with centuries old squabbles and atrocities meeting present day challenges. Massacres and perceptions of collaboration between Shia and Sunni militants will not be as easy to resolve. In retrospect, taking back Tikrit may have been the easiest part of the battles.
These people have some seriously unresolved issues that won't be solved by tribalism and sectarian militias. There's a lot of bad blood and hatred to overcome. The US is better off staying on the sidelines for the moment, but that may change in the future.
The regional powers must get the challenges solved or this conflict will topple many of our allies and lead to a very ugly outcome. We could easily have a Sunni ISIL and a Shia ISIL battling for supremacy. Ideology usually trumps peace in that region of the World.
These people have some seriously unresolved issues that won't be solved by tribalism and sectarian militias. There's a lot of bad blood and hatred to overcome. The US is better off staying on the sidelines for the moment, but that may change in the future.
The regional powers must get the challenges solved or this conflict will topple many of our allies and lead to a very ugly outcome. We could easily have a Sunni ISIL and a Shia ISIL battling for supremacy. Ideology usually trumps peace in that region of the World.
7
I only wish that we speak with this loud a voice against sectarianism in countries where there are Shia Muslim minorities too, such as Saudi Arabia, UAE (did not extend visas for 100s of thousands of Shia Muslims to stay in UAE), Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar, Egypt (Shia Clerics Lynched in Giza) etc.
I agree that there is no good reason to interject sectarian issues in Politics, but the reality is that even in the so called enlightened West we have the same issues and not long ago wars between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland; we have Islamophobia to garner votes as a fear tactics etc.
We need to put basic Human Right ahead of all these sectarian issues.
I agree that there is no good reason to interject sectarian issues in Politics, but the reality is that even in the so called enlightened West we have the same issues and not long ago wars between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland; we have Islamophobia to garner votes as a fear tactics etc.
We need to put basic Human Right ahead of all these sectarian issues.
1
The US government complains that the people of the region do not have the will to stand up and fight for themselves. The US government complains that the people of the region stand up and fight for themselves. One or the other, guys. You can't have your cake and eat too.
7
The US should stay out of that area and just watch. Do not speak to any one. Observe. If a country from that area needs help they will come. I guess that Istael shouts as first. But better that they will not be heard at the first crie.
Airstrikes are inefficient in the majority of cases, they hurt more civilians than those beasts, whom they are aimed to damage.
As for successful operation in Tikrit... It may be treated as victory, but it's just a step onto the long path of struggling with ISIS.
As for successful operation in Tikrit... It may be treated as victory, but it's just a step onto the long path of struggling with ISIS.
1
Yes the Iran/Iraq alliance will drive ISIL back into Syria. Looking at a map I see that the future looks bleak for Iran's old enemy,other than the US, Saudi Arabia. G.W 's Iraq imperial adventure is likely to be even more disastrous for US hegemony than its worst enemies had hoped for.
9
I don't understand why Obama doesn't help in the destruction of the Iraqi military ISIS. A feeling that he doesn't want it. Controlled existence is beneficial for him as it contributes to destabilization in the region.
But he will give THE bomb to Iran....then no more destabilization: the area will be a vast waste land. Way to go, Barry!
To control the situation and keep it going is good for the US weapon industry.
Iran is finding out what it takes to win a war where it counts and the nature of US air power operational aspects and its limits. So they will all go home once the 'victory' is won 'again' in Iraq and put their feet up.
Iran Unveils Surface to Surface Missile With 2500 KM Range you say, nothing to worry about Obama has clearly proven to be a foreign policy master.
Iran Unveils Surface to Surface Missile With 2500 KM Range you say, nothing to worry about Obama has clearly proven to be a foreign policy master.
G.W. the decider started the Dominos.
2
Anne has been reporting a victory in Tikrit for about a week now, all based on Baghdad sources. Wonder what Iran, Badr, and ISIL say.
It's time for investigation indeed! As it's outrageous! If we're not able to investigate what's going on with our plan let someone do this. Although American bomb, ISIS bomb - what the difference...
The fact that we have two former enemies -- Iran and Iraq, who fought an 8 year was in the 1980s -- fighting shoulder to shoulder vs. the ISIS maniacs is fantastic news for mankind. I hope that in the longer term, when ISIS has been dealt with, the Shia people -- who make up the larger part of Iraq's population -- will be compassionate enough to embrace the sunnis of Iraq in brotherhood. With the support from the West, the two nations could prosper. Surely the Saudis wouldn't want to see that happen, for they'd lose their dominance, but after so many years of sponsoring terror all around the world, hopefully that's inevitable. Let's unleash the youths of the region and prey for a bit of renaissance.
6
Can we drop this phrase "also known as ISIS or ISIL". Let's just call it "ISIS" or "ISIL" and be done with it already!!
7
And they call themselves IS. So it would seem that IS is the proper name for the so-called Islamic State.
Were not Iraq be invaded by USA and European allies troops. Were not Saddam leadership destroyed. No ISIS should be doing those terrorist acts. What USA politics didn’t recognize was that Saddam regime represented a turning point to avoid terrorist organizations made a shelter in Iraqi territory. In fact, after the execution of Saddam Hussein, his sons and his staff, the intervention became a big mess and turmoiled all the region. It’ very disgusting, but is ruthlessly true,
6
Ahhhh....the benefits of a dictator in keeping peace in his country!
1
It's true, ruthless dictatorships are very good at maintaining public order. Look at South Africa. Crime rates have gone through the roof since the apartheid regime was overthrown. Does that mean South Africa was better off under apartheid? I certainly don't think so. Was Iraq better off under Saddam and his sons? As messy as things are now in Iraq, I don't think so. The Shiite dominated government is at least making an effort to get beyond that virulent sectarianism that is wreaking havoc throughout the region, and as this article shows, Iraq is making some progress in that regard. Let's hope that trend continues.
1
Present is what history makes it to be.
Learn from past
Live in present after learning from the Past, and work on the Future. What ifs only work in math equations and history is not maths.
Learn from past
Live in present after learning from the Past, and work on the Future. What ifs only work in math equations and history is not maths.
1
Official government in Iraq are Sunni.
Anti-terrorist rebel groups fighting on the side of Iraqi government are Shiite.
Iran are mostly Shiite.
ISIS is Sunni.
Very complicated situation for our government. Peace on Middle East is very fragile, including background of negotiations with Iran.
Anti-terrorist rebel groups fighting on the side of Iraqi government are Shiite.
Iran are mostly Shiite.
ISIS is Sunni.
Very complicated situation for our government. Peace on Middle East is very fragile, including background of negotiations with Iran.
1
Is ISIS just Suni?
How can one proof that?
How can one proof that?
You really should read more widely Tom, or more carefully, or both!
The Government of Iraq is, officially, non-sectarian. In practice the Prime Minister is Shia. The president, a Sunni Kurd, occupies a largely ceremonial role.
The Government of Iraq is, officially, non-sectarian. In practice the Prime Minister is Shia. The president, a Sunni Kurd, occupies a largely ceremonial role.
2
Where did you get this information, I thought the governments normally are secular, the people follow Religion whether Shia Muslim or Sunni Muslim, Jewish, or Christians. The government of Iraq has a constitution with Islam as their official religion. (Section 1, Article 2)
1
Excellent. ISIS defeated without one drop of American blood.
Stop the fear mongering of Iran. Will Iran gain influence in Iraq? Undoubtedly. But do you honestly think Iran can tame Iraq and control Iraq? Let them try. If they succeed the world will be a better place. But they won't
Iran would simply bankrupt itself in the same useless way that America did. Iraq can only be controlled by Iraqis, or ot will break apart, again depending on Iraqis.
I can't think of a better way to make Israel and the American warmongers happy. An Iran enmeshed in Iraq is one that will have no time or money to fight Israel. Heck- we played this game before when we armed Iran and then armed Iraq so that they could fight each other to the death.
Besides, if Iran becomes too powerful in Iraq then Saudi Arabia will do what it's done the last few years- arm ISIS and other Sunnis to fight them off. You see, therr really is no hope for Iranian congrol of Iraq.
The Middle East is none of our business. Let Saudi Arabia and Iran fight their proxy Shia-Sunni religious war without us. Let them blow each other up until they figure themselves out. Reopen ties in a thousand years when they've finally resolved their conflict.
But until then get us out. Keep us out. We're only making things worse.
Stop the fear mongering of Iran. Will Iran gain influence in Iraq? Undoubtedly. But do you honestly think Iran can tame Iraq and control Iraq? Let them try. If they succeed the world will be a better place. But they won't
Iran would simply bankrupt itself in the same useless way that America did. Iraq can only be controlled by Iraqis, or ot will break apart, again depending on Iraqis.
I can't think of a better way to make Israel and the American warmongers happy. An Iran enmeshed in Iraq is one that will have no time or money to fight Israel. Heck- we played this game before when we armed Iran and then armed Iraq so that they could fight each other to the death.
Besides, if Iran becomes too powerful in Iraq then Saudi Arabia will do what it's done the last few years- arm ISIS and other Sunnis to fight them off. You see, therr really is no hope for Iranian congrol of Iraq.
The Middle East is none of our business. Let Saudi Arabia and Iran fight their proxy Shia-Sunni religious war without us. Let them blow each other up until they figure themselves out. Reopen ties in a thousand years when they've finally resolved their conflict.
But until then get us out. Keep us out. We're only making things worse.
17
I would love to hear what George W. Bush, Rumsfeld et al think of the Iraq they have created. I know that if I was an Iraqi woman I would have preferred to live under Saddam Hussein rather than in this horrid mess the US of A left behind.
6
Rumsfeld et al would just blame Obama saying this is all a result of the U.S. pulling out in 2011. They take no responsibility for their actions.
2
The effort could be twice as effective if the U.S. would coordinate with Iran, but that makes too much sense, I guess. The end result, Iran will be able to claim all credit for the victory--deservedly--while the U.S. dithers and argues helplessly about our commitment to this effort. We have indeed become a pitiful, helpless giant, hidebound by our own partisan politics.
5
The Saudis and Israelis would be upset if we worked with the Iranians and the Republicans would label Obama a traitor and the American public would buy it. Indeed, politics.
4
Should not be surprising that Iranians are better at fighting ISIS than Americans, both in strategy and execution.
Seems so obvious yet---oh yes all the other power moves going on simultaneously.
Thank you President Obama for letting Iraq celebrate a rare victory--by Iraqis, Abadi was proud to say. There's our cue---let them all deal with ISIS, all the ME countries, w/o our Western tactics and humanitarian misplaced effort, usually creating captives, they'll sort it out.
Unless a fight over natural resources worth bazillions. Then all Bigs now in to win and only strategically fight this band of brigands while chess-moving the pawns in the global game.
Seems so obvious yet---oh yes all the other power moves going on simultaneously.
Thank you President Obama for letting Iraq celebrate a rare victory--by Iraqis, Abadi was proud to say. There's our cue---let them all deal with ISIS, all the ME countries, w/o our Western tactics and humanitarian misplaced effort, usually creating captives, they'll sort it out.
Unless a fight over natural resources worth bazillions. Then all Bigs now in to win and only strategically fight this band of brigands while chess-moving the pawns in the global game.
4
As long as the Shiite militias remain "militias" and not part of the Iraqi army, the sectarian divide will remain. The Shiite militias have also been accused of war crimes and atrocities (albeit together sometimes with the Iraqi army):
http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-03-11/shiite-militias-also-ca...
This article seems to belie any claims of possible unity and the role of Iran might be beneficial for the Iraqi army at the moment, but ultimately not for Iraq or unity.
http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-03-11/shiite-militias-also-ca...
This article seems to belie any claims of possible unity and the role of Iran might be beneficial for the Iraqi army at the moment, but ultimately not for Iraq or unity.
2
Ah but is it only Shi'a militias which must be part of the Iraqi Army? What about the much vaunted peshmerga (who ran away as fast as the Iraqi Army did when attacked by ISIS). They've been allowed to remain intact since the 2003 invasion. Why is it only Arab-based militias which must be integrated into another military structure.
Oh, sorry, I forgot. There was once, an Arab militia which was separate from the armed forces of its country, the South Lebanon Army.
I guess some militias are bad and some are good. Just like the terrorist/freedom fighter conundrum.
Oh, sorry, I forgot. There was once, an Arab militia which was separate from the armed forces of its country, the South Lebanon Army.
I guess some militias are bad and some are good. Just like the terrorist/freedom fighter conundrum.
3
From our perspective it is good, but do remember they fought an 8 year war not very long ago. It is nice to see old enemies working together and proving to the world that old enmities could be forgiven for a cause of PEACE, maybe we should learn something from them and use it with the Palestinians.
2
SIMILAR to Al-Qaida, ISIS is a Guerilla organization and Conventional Armies need Ten(10) times the Manpower to defeat them.
THE 10:1 ratio is a well established "Military Metric" that was proven in Vietnam and later in Afghanistan as Mr. Obama's Surge did little to extinguish that threat (WE need Militias to fight the Guerillas).
WE should also bear in mind that without Iran's involvement on the ground to support the Northern Alliance Militias, the US could not have defeated the Taliban in Afghanistan.
SO in order to defeat ISIS in both Iraq and Syria, the presence of Militias seems to be indispensable as neither the Syrian nor the Iraqi Army were able to hold ISIS back and that re-introducing the US Troop similar to the Surge in Afghanistan will certainly face the same challenges with high Financial and Human costs to the US and its allies.
Additionally that is why with all the money spent on building Armies in Afghanistan and Iraq has not been effective to fight these Guerilla Wars and interestingly the Iraqi Kurdish Militias have been able to hold their own against the ISIS.
Adopting a Proven Strategy similar to the Liberation of Tikrit to defeat ISIS in Mosel and beyond is without any doubt is the only Option.
THE 10:1 ratio is a well established "Military Metric" that was proven in Vietnam and later in Afghanistan as Mr. Obama's Surge did little to extinguish that threat (WE need Militias to fight the Guerillas).
WE should also bear in mind that without Iran's involvement on the ground to support the Northern Alliance Militias, the US could not have defeated the Taliban in Afghanistan.
SO in order to defeat ISIS in both Iraq and Syria, the presence of Militias seems to be indispensable as neither the Syrian nor the Iraqi Army were able to hold ISIS back and that re-introducing the US Troop similar to the Surge in Afghanistan will certainly face the same challenges with high Financial and Human costs to the US and its allies.
Additionally that is why with all the money spent on building Armies in Afghanistan and Iraq has not been effective to fight these Guerilla Wars and interestingly the Iraqi Kurdish Militias have been able to hold their own against the ISIS.
Adopting a Proven Strategy similar to the Liberation of Tikrit to defeat ISIS in Mosel and beyond is without any doubt is the only Option.
4
"American officials have expressed concerns that the presence of those forces in the Iraqi Sunni heartland could risk the same kind of sectarian alienation that left the country vulnerable to ISIS in the first place."
If only we had had those concerns before invading Iraq twelve years ago.
I didn't initially favor withdrawing our forces from Iraq, believing that we had a responsibility to clean up the mess we made. Now I'm convinced we ARE the mess and we would do the Middle East a huge favor by getting out and staying out.
If only we had had those concerns before invading Iraq twelve years ago.
I didn't initially favor withdrawing our forces from Iraq, believing that we had a responsibility to clean up the mess we made. Now I'm convinced we ARE the mess and we would do the Middle East a huge favor by getting out and staying out.
12
Maybe it s just the cacophony, but the tone of these hand wringing news analyses and pontifications in Congress does make it seem like things are confused here. Let's get serious, ISIS or whatever you want to call it shouldn't be that much of a military threat. These are mercenary freelancers of maybe generously, 20-30 thousand. How can these guys stand besides Nations who have had armies for hundreds of years and invest a few billion each year buying equipment.
With this backround, America went in and said no ground troops, so they will go and train people and fly sorties. All the Suni nations in the area with their aforementioned armies didn't send anyone to fight on the ground, rather they flew a few sorties with the Americans. In the meantime, ISIS is beheading people, immolating people, destroying the last vestiges of old civilizations, selling women and children into slavery, conscripting minors to comit atrocities. This is going on for months and months, like there is nobody that can get rid of this abomination. The Amerians are there, drawing up strategies and running scenarios, you know maybe we'll take Mosul in April, no make that June. The trainees are not ready. Like who are these trainees going to face in the field, who trained ISIS, these are butcher boys from London and Brussels, why do you need a West Point cadet to face them?
Then the Iranians and Shiite militias step in, but we get handwringing? What did you expect? Nature abhors a vacuum.
With this backround, America went in and said no ground troops, so they will go and train people and fly sorties. All the Suni nations in the area with their aforementioned armies didn't send anyone to fight on the ground, rather they flew a few sorties with the Americans. In the meantime, ISIS is beheading people, immolating people, destroying the last vestiges of old civilizations, selling women and children into slavery, conscripting minors to comit atrocities. This is going on for months and months, like there is nobody that can get rid of this abomination. The Amerians are there, drawing up strategies and running scenarios, you know maybe we'll take Mosul in April, no make that June. The trainees are not ready. Like who are these trainees going to face in the field, who trained ISIS, these are butcher boys from London and Brussels, why do you need a West Point cadet to face them?
Then the Iranians and Shiite militias step in, but we get handwringing? What did you expect? Nature abhors a vacuum.
5
The Iranian general leading this campaign reportedly once told his Iraqi counterparts, "The Americans will leave you one day, but we will always be your neighbors."
The Iraqis must have paid close attention to his words.
The Iraqis must have paid close attention to his words.
7
The truth is true.
This is truly awesome, and it should be celebrated all over the World - including the US. I cannot even imagine how many Iraqi lives were lost in this battle - and they, Iraqis, deserve to hear the admiration of the rest of the World. They fought against the most brutal enemies of nowadays - ISIS - and they won! They certainly deserve all the kudos. And our support, whatever it might be - go get those evil ISIS snakes out of your land! We will support you!
16
Bizarre. There are no "good guys" in this story. They are both as bad as each other. Let them fight each other to a bloody standstill until they learn the lesson that no true civilization can exist in a state constantly at war.
3
Will we learn that lesson? Not in your lifetime.
Exactly.
Iraqis saw for themselves that ISIS is determined to wipe out not only divergent views, but history itself. That gave Iraqis a common purpose.
Of course American officials are worried. Our governments policy has always been to thwart genuine self-determination on the part of other nations--especially those our leaders have determined--by some mysterious criteria of their own--to be unworthy of steering their own course.
The US is culpable not only for the deaths of countless Iraqis, but for the destruction of priceless cultural treasures. But perhaps that heartbreaking loss has given Iraqis the reason they were searching for to unite.
Of course American officials are worried. Our governments policy has always been to thwart genuine self-determination on the part of other nations--especially those our leaders have determined--by some mysterious criteria of their own--to be unworthy of steering their own course.
The US is culpable not only for the deaths of countless Iraqis, but for the destruction of priceless cultural treasures. But perhaps that heartbreaking loss has given Iraqis the reason they were searching for to unite.
23
Balancing act is an understatement. Imagine a juggler tossing three bowling pins while walking across a tightrope and holding a spinning plate with a stick in his mouth. That is Iraq.
There are so many actors, factions and outsiders involved that analyzing the long term effects of the situation is hopeless. The primary task at hand is to defeat ISIS and drive them out of existence. The leadership of Iraq, whatever that truly is, has begun to mount a counterattack against ISIS. They are using whatever resources and assistance they can muster to accomplish their goal. Good for them.
It is far too premature to predict outcomes at this time. This war cannot be choreographed. It must be fought and won. All participants have committed horrible atrocities in the recent past. This isn't a John Wayne cowboy movie. This is the Middle East. There are no good guys.
We can be certain of this. Each faction, organization and nation participating wants something. They are not there out of sympathy. Iran, in particular, will strive to fulfill its desires. The two most likely outcomes are that an Iranian client state will form in the east. The second is that more atrocities will occur after ISIS is removed.
The words spoken by anyone quoted in this article mean nothing. Promises mean nothing. Titles mean nothing. This is Iraq. The only thing that matters is what happens on the ground.
There are so many actors, factions and outsiders involved that analyzing the long term effects of the situation is hopeless. The primary task at hand is to defeat ISIS and drive them out of existence. The leadership of Iraq, whatever that truly is, has begun to mount a counterattack against ISIS. They are using whatever resources and assistance they can muster to accomplish their goal. Good for them.
It is far too premature to predict outcomes at this time. This war cannot be choreographed. It must be fought and won. All participants have committed horrible atrocities in the recent past. This isn't a John Wayne cowboy movie. This is the Middle East. There are no good guys.
We can be certain of this. Each faction, organization and nation participating wants something. They are not there out of sympathy. Iran, in particular, will strive to fulfill its desires. The two most likely outcomes are that an Iranian client state will form in the east. The second is that more atrocities will occur after ISIS is removed.
The words spoken by anyone quoted in this article mean nothing. Promises mean nothing. Titles mean nothing. This is Iraq. The only thing that matters is what happens on the ground.
8
I feel a bit like a broken record, but again events on the ground prod me to recommend the century old "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, by T. E. Lawrence, for very relevant perspective on today's Middle East and its fractious, factional, and fratricidal reality.
This seems especially important for those who labor under the belief that the U.S. has the power to make peace and save many, many lives. Equally, the illusion is shared by those who believe America is the source of all good that occurs and those who see America as the source of all woes.
This seems especially important for those who labor under the belief that the U.S. has the power to make peace and save many, many lives. Equally, the illusion is shared by those who believe America is the source of all good that occurs and those who see America as the source of all woes.
22
I'm happy to see Iran making common cause with the Iraqis against ISIS. The problem is that for all the good they do in Iraq their continuing support of Bashar-the-Butcher-Son-of-a-Butcher makes matters that much more toxic in the country next door. As long as the Butcher's reign of terror is allowed to continue ISIS will have a home amidst the Sunni majority in Syria.
3
Whilst it is true that the actions of the Syrian regime have helped swell the ranks of the rebel movements, inter alia, the various jihadi groups (including those sponsored by those nuts in Riyadh), it is perhaps more a case of the chaos of war helping create the conditions for Da'esh (ISIS) to flourish. I read somewhere (can't recall where and, given it quoted western intell sources, to be treated with caution) that the majority of the leadership of Da'esh is Iraqi in origin, not Syrian.
A solution to the Syrian issue was always going to be problematic. The regime, like the Ba'aathist one in Iraq behaved like a mafia (although with a touch more sophistication). The problems were aggravated when some realised that getting rid of Assad would deal a blow to Hizbullah in Lebanon and, by extension, Iran.
That's the trouble when US politicians view all issues in the Middle East through a single prism.
A solution to the Syrian issue was always going to be problematic. The regime, like the Ba'aathist one in Iraq behaved like a mafia (although with a touch more sophistication). The problems were aggravated when some realised that getting rid of Assad would deal a blow to Hizbullah in Lebanon and, by extension, Iran.
That's the trouble when US politicians view all issues in the Middle East through a single prism.
2
The Iranian-led Shiite militias are now masters of a smoking shell of a depopulated Tikrit, with reports of their recent revenge killings of Sunnis circulating on social media. Meanwhile, ISIS conducted a tactical retreat, inflicting maximum damage at minimum cost, while maintaining the flexibility to attack elsewhere (as they are doing in Ramadi) and even to return to Tikrit once its Shia victors disperse. If this is victory, Iraq is even more a mess than was thought.
6
Just like they fought us in Iraq, taking cities and making us take them back at great cost to us, with little to them. Sooner or later the attacker moves on and they just move back in.
1
You seem to have no idea what Shiite vs Sunni means. Yes, Shiite militias are much more preferable than Sunni to any Westerner - I assume you are one, being from Boston etc. ISIS is all Sunni, not just Sunni - WHABBI Sunni, the scariest kind. So, no, this is a good thing that Iraqis are about to reclaim their territory from the Sunni ISIS, and it is becoming LESS of mess than you think, esp. than what G.W. Bush was cooking there
6
Nice to see another country taking on the burden of fighting and beating ISIS, even if it is Iran. We opened the door to Iran when we invaded and weakened Iraq. They live in the neighborhood, speak the same language, understand the customs, and have overlapping cultural and religious influences. In some ways, this could have been anticipated.
9
Iraq is an Arab country whereas Iran is the only country in the neighborhood that is a real country based on European norms of a country, which is they speak Persian (Farsi) and most of them are Shia Muslims.
Most of the Middle East was drawn up by the victors after the dissolution of Ottoman Empire and the borders were drawn up by Generals with Rulers (Wooden) on a piece of paper. They are not real countries except the Persians. Similar to France, where they speak French or Germany where they speak Germans and so on. Maybe some day real countries would emerge out of this mess we call Middle East.
Most of the Middle East was drawn up by the victors after the dissolution of Ottoman Empire and the borders were drawn up by Generals with Rulers (Wooden) on a piece of paper. They are not real countries except the Persians. Similar to France, where they speak French or Germany where they speak Germans and so on. Maybe some day real countries would emerge out of this mess we call Middle East.
15
Iranians speak Farsi, Iraqi Arabs speak Arabic
2
They don't speak the same language... !
3
Unless the ;locals are ready to fight for what they want all outside help is helpless.
They did it on their own after we gave them the tools. But like that horse, you can't make it drink unless it wants the water.
Stay the hell out America and Americans. Let them figure it out. Ouch! That thought really hurts some folks here. But we could not win in Vietnam for the same reason. Unless they buy it it is theirs and theirs alone to break.
They did it on their own after we gave them the tools. But like that horse, you can't make it drink unless it wants the water.
Stay the hell out America and Americans. Let them figure it out. Ouch! That thought really hurts some folks here. But we could not win in Vietnam for the same reason. Unless they buy it it is theirs and theirs alone to break.
30
The key factor is going to be how the victorious Shiites treat the mostly-Sunni civilian population.
If they behave with fairness and compassion and justice towards the Sunni civilians, I believe the Sunnis will see the Iraqi central government as an improvement. If not, they will flock to the side of Daesh. And that will determine whether the government holds control of Tikrit or is constantly fighting an insurgency.
If they behave with fairness and compassion and justice towards the Sunni civilians, I believe the Sunnis will see the Iraqi central government as an improvement. If not, they will flock to the side of Daesh. And that will determine whether the government holds control of Tikrit or is constantly fighting an insurgency.
7
ISIS could be quickly dispatched if only Turkey would close its border with ISIS. Turkey has one of the largest armies in the world. They could close the border if they had the will.
Stop recruits and money flowing across the border and ISIS will fold.
NYTimes: A Path to ISIS, Through a Porous Turkish Border
http://nyti.ms/1CWDFJj
Stop recruits and money flowing across the border and ISIS will fold.
NYTimes: A Path to ISIS, Through a Porous Turkish Border
http://nyti.ms/1CWDFJj
21
Why would Turkey do that as they are providing the logistical support to ISIL and Qatar and Saudi Arabia are funding them.
11
That's the problem our 'allies' are helping ISIS and our enemies are fighting ISIS.
8
With friends like them who needs enemies
3
Congratulations Mr President - no American lives lost.
28
Encouraging as it is to see IS taken down a few more pegs, there are some other issues - The lack of agility in managing IS for the last year has been appalling, and taking nearly a year to retake a city just north of Baghdad really does reflect the problems. A relatively few terrorists have managed to cause chaos. The profitability of the terrorism racket is also apparently doing quite nicely. That's no disincentive to the "entrepreneurs" of the Middle East bloodbaths. IS is predictably stalling militarily, losing at Kobani and now Tikrit but the many heads of this monster have been around for decades. These guys don't do suicide bombings, or get their hands dirty with weapons. IS, AQ and the Taliban are still the businesses of choice, still credible among disillusioned Muslims despite their crimes. Forget "hearts and minds" which has never worked since Vietnam where it started . Focus on a credible alternative to terror. This hideous global war will only end when the Islamic world rebels against the idea of terror, and it loses its grip on the people. Only an idea can shoot another idea.
3
It is indeed a sweet news that Iraqi Forces have claimed Western Areas of Tikrit from ISIS. It is hoped that the remaining area would also be brought under Iraq's control.
I see this as a short term victory. If Iraq has to live in peace, it should have a strong regular army and not volunteers. Presently, the U.S.,Iran, military advisers from other countries are working with nascent, weak Iraqi army and volunteers. Iraq cannot depend on them at all times. It is high time that it stands on its own legs. That billions of dollars spent by the U.S. in training Iraq's army and police have gone a waste speaks volumes about the mindset and preparedness of Iraqis in joining armed forces. This issue should be addressed first.
I see this as a short term victory. If Iraq has to live in peace, it should have a strong regular army and not volunteers. Presently, the U.S.,Iran, military advisers from other countries are working with nascent, weak Iraqi army and volunteers. Iraq cannot depend on them at all times. It is high time that it stands on its own legs. That billions of dollars spent by the U.S. in training Iraq's army and police have gone a waste speaks volumes about the mindset and preparedness of Iraqis in joining armed forces. This issue should be addressed first.
2
And now we have a different philosophy being instilled into the forces fighting ISIS, by the Iranians, that being, the defense of country. That sea change in mindset was what was missing in those Iraqi soldiers that ran away at first sight of ISIS. They did not know what to do.