"Iraq Launches Offensive on ISIS North of Baghdad" Topic

"Iraq's army and Shi'ite militia have launched a long-awaited offensive against ISIS in Salahuddin province, a stronghold of the radical Islamist fighters north of Baghdad, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Sunday.

The ultra-radical fighters control several strongholds in the mainly Sunni Muslim province of Salahuddin, including Tikrit, hometown of executed former president Saddam Hussein. They also hold other towns on the Tigris river north of the government-held city of Samarra, which Abadi visited on Sunday.

"The prime minister and armed forces chief … announce the start of the security campaign to liberate Salahuddin," a statement issued by Abadi's office said as he met military leaders in the province, where thousands of troops and militia have gathered for battle…"
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Amicalement
Armand

As I said on another thread here … The Iraqi Army still is not ready to retake Mosul. And can the various militias, mostly Shia' being supported by Iran, be depended to work with the other Iraqi and Kurd forces ? If it does not fit or support the Persian's end game or their needs ? As we now see, the liberation of Tikrit has been launched. And is to be lead by the Persian supported Shia militias. But will they be able to [want to] coordinate effectively with the Kurds who are Sunni ? It appears the Shia[Persian augmented] militias are attacking along with the Iraqis. Who also are also primarily Shia'… I'm still not 100% sure this will work ? I hope so … as it would be a good start in exterminating Deash … However, it was reported Al-Sadr already pulled back some of his Shia' militias last week or so … So again as with everything in this region … we will have to wait and see …

The complex geo-political realities tell me that we're not fully committed to defeating Daesh.

There is no question that Daesh is pure evil, but they're the strongest Sunni counterbalance to Iran and the Shiites right now and I'm sure there are powerful parties (some say even Israel) who don't want to see Daesh completely destroyed.

And as I've said before, the Shiites want to see Israel destroyed more than the Sunnis. At least it's higher on their priority list.

The complex geo-political realities tell me that we're not fully committed to defeating Daesh.

As I have said before, when it comes to geo-politics, 50 shades of grey is the norm. Long before a randy book and chick S&M flick were made …

Agree…

Amicalement
Armand

Yes, as we see today, the Persians are in charge and in support of this op. With Iraqi governmental forces, Shia and Sunni militias in the attack. The US was not informed, no surprise. This is a Persian show ! Have not heard anything about Kurds being involved, but the Kurds are the US, UK, etc., force of choice it appears. Persia being the driving force behind the possible liberation of Iraq opens up a few interesting conundrums. This pushes the mostly Shia Iraq even closer into Iran's influence. Plus Iran supported the Kurds during the Iran-Iraq War in the '80s … And another thing … the Persians are moslems. As are the rest of the anti-Deash forces, save for tiny Christian Militias. While the US, UK, Germany, France, Oz, Canada, etc., supporting the Kurds and Iraqis are still "infidels"/Crusaders …

Where is this place Persia?

Seems the USA was informed, but due to Iranian presence, chooses not to get involved (or hasn't been asked).

Letting the locals sort out their own problems when they can seems wise.. it'll build up confidence.

Letting the locals sort out their own problems when they can seems wise.. it'll build up confidence.

You're absolutely correct.

Problem is, the locals have proven repeatedly that they CAN'T.

Persia … you know the old name for Iran …

Iran, formerly known as Persia, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persia … Don't be such a "fisherman", Huh !? At this point I don't care who goes after Deash. Just so it's not the West and is all islamic. However, I just heard on CNN/FOX, the first day or so of the attack has not really gained much headway … but again it is early in the op.

100% agreed 28mm Fanatik. At many levels it isn't even in our best interests to destroy ISIS. They sure do keep the Iranians tied down and out of mischief.

As I said on another thread here. IMO … the Iraqi Shia majority has more affiliations with the Persian Shia majority forces supporting and assisting them in their war with Deash. Even if some Sunni Militias are helping out. They hate Deash as well. And remember … the Persians are not infidels/crusaders. Something that many moslems in the region or even worldwide can't seem to forget. The non-Deash Sunni will temporarily set aside their centuries of religious, tribal, etc. difference for now. What I see coming about. The Shia majority of Iraq supported by the Shia Persians actually may go on their own bloody Jihad/Crusade against the Sunni Deash. And Iraq will become even more in Iran's influence/orbit. The Kurds who the West supports and is Sunni. Who the Iraqi Shia gov't won't let the West support directly with arms, etc. … Because I think the Iran/Iraq Shia are looking ahead to a time when Deash is dead/gone. And they don't want to have to deal with well armed Kurds. Plus the Sunni Turks don't want to see arms going to the Kurds, as they have a long negative history. And the Turks want to revive past glories. And are more and more has islamists leanings. They could have helped out the Kurds in their battle with Deash. But thought it might be better to parade along the border and watch the slaughter. Maybe eventually there will be in battle with the Iran/Iraqi Shias vs. the Kurds ? Regardless, we are dealing with extremely duplicitious factions here. Who base allegiances to religious, tribal, ethnic, etc. groups, etc. over any "real(?)" central gov't at least when it comes to Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and don't forget A'stan. Hopefully the Iran/Iraq/Militias forces can defeat Deash. Which as far as I'm concerned is a good thing. And we can have little involvment and watch the slaughter on CNN. Which that being said, we all may have to worry about a nuc armed Iran … and that will be another Cluster . Considering among other things the Sunni Saudis don't like or trust the Shia Persians … War without end comes

War without end comes

And that would be different from the status quo of the Middle East how, exactly?

Not much it appears …