Iran eclipses U.S. as Iraq's ally in fight against militants

[FormerOstrich]

Source: Associated Press

BAGHDAD — In the eyes of most Iraqis, their country's best ally in the war against the Islamic State group is not the United States and the coalition air campaign against the militants. It's Iran, which is credited with stopping the extremists' march on Baghda

Shiite, non-Arab Iran has effectively taken charge of Iraq's defense against the Sunni radical group, meeting the Iraqi government's need for immediate help on the ground.

Two to three Iranian military aircraft a day land at Baghdad airport, bringing in weapons and ammunition. Iran's most potent military force and best known general — the Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Force and its commander Gen. Ghasem Soleimani — are organizing Iraqi forces and have become the de facto leaders of Iraqi Shiite militias that are the backbone of the fight. Iran carried out airstrikes to help push militants from an Iraqi province on its border.

Read more: http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/01/12/iran-iraq-militants/21623533/

[bemildred]

1. Having a short supply chain can be very important. nt

[Fred Sanders]

2. Also having some courage and will to sacrifice.

[bemildred]

3. Yeah, skin in the game.

Employees don't make the best soldiers.

[candelista]

4. Eventually there will be no Iraq.

There will just be Greater Iran, and the Islamic State.

[bemildred]

5. There is already no Iraq.

They are just negotiating the boundaries of the new political entities.
The West created it and the West has now destroyed it.
Good job.

[candelista]

6. Wrong.

And what is going on now is not "negotiating."

[samsingh]

7. we don't hear much about this at all. i wonder what the reality truly is here

[jakeXT]

8. The Ayatollah has made some accusations