728 dead 549 wounded in Iraq in September. Full break down of violence during the month. Here's a link.
728 dead 549 wounded in Iraq in September. Full break down of violence during the month. Here's a link.
The Myth and Reality of Iraq’s al-Hashd al-Shaabi
A report (19 pgs) from Germany by a US defence academic @ NDU, Hassan Abbas, whose speciality is Pakistan and the region. Not yet read, but these Iraqi non-state forces rarely get extensive coverage.
The long title: 'The Myth and Reality of Iraq’s al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces):A Way Forward'.
The paper aims to:Link:http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/amman/13689.pdfThe policy paper focuses on three primary issues: a) the prevailing status and workings of the Hashd forces; b) relevance of local and regional politics to the security dynamics of Iraq; and c) policy recommendations for the Iraqi government and its allies on how to think about the future of the Hashd and secure Iraq better. For this purpose, a range of questions are framed for analytical purposes dealing with the strength and weaknesses of the Hashd forces, their local and regional sponsors, their capabilities and activities on the ground including allegations of human rights violations, concerns of Sunni Iraqis with regard to sectariandimensions of this phenomenon and last but not the least as regards the agenda and planning of the Iraqi government for security sector reform.
davidbfpo
Hawija op is entering final phase. Here's a link.
Hawija town liberated op almost over in southern Kirkuk. Link to article.
Political Primacy, Strategic Risks, and ISIL after the Caliphate
A short article recommended via a "lurker" via a Dutch CT site that circulated it and the link is to the original publisher. The author is Craig Whiteside and his bio in part states:Link:https://www.iraqincontext.com/single...-the-CaliphateDr. Craig Whiteside is an Associate Fellow at ICCT and an Associate Professor for the Naval War College Monterey and teaches at the Naval Postgraduate School. He is a senior associate with the Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island and lectures at the U.S. Air Force Special Operations School.
davidbfpo
Craig writes some of the best stuff on Iraqi security and IS.
Security report for 1st week of October in Iraq. 2nd lowest number of incidents and lowest casualty figures recorded in 2017. Here's a link.
Weekly security report for Iraq Dec 15-21. Link.
IS already rebuilding and switched to insurgency. Can Iraqi forces use intelligence and policing to stop them? Here's a link to article.
Hawija operation is done, Iraqi forces heading back to finish off West Anbar. Here's a link.
Gun battle between Iraqi forces and Peshmerga almost broke out in Kirkuk as Baghdad and Irbil continue to escalate things after the Kurdish referendum. Here's a link to the article.
My early take on the fighting that broke out between federal forces and Peshmerga in Kirkuk and Salahaddin.
Let me recapitulate to see if I've got everything right: well before it's ever got as far as to finish the Daesh in Iraq, the Iraqi government (read: IRGC) turned against Kurds in northern Iraq....and thus delivered a coup de grace upon 15 years of failed US 'foreign policy' in that country.
And the 'most effective fighters against the Daesh' - turned on their heels and fled, as soon as they were not supported by US and allied air power...
Oh man, what a surprise.
No artillery, war ends; now no air support Kurds exit
Not that the Kurds have not found themselves in this position before. Long ago (probably 1974-1975) it was the withdrawal of Imperial Iranian artillery support for their conflict with the Iraqis that led to their defeat.Originally Posted by CrowBat
Let me recapitulate to see if I've got everything right: well before it's ever got as far as to finish the Daesh in Iraq, the Iraqi government (read: IRGC) turned against Kurds in northern Iraq....and thus delivered a coup de grace upon 15 years of failed US 'foreign policy' in that country.
And the 'most effective fighters against the Daesh' - turned on their heels and fled, as soon as they were not supported by US and allied air power...
Oh man, what a surprise.
From this armchair and with limited reading could the Iraqi use of the CTS (a multi-ethnic formation historically) have helped limit the willingness to fight? Plus the use of the Federal Police.
Whatever the Kurd's claim to Kirkuk wasn't there always doubt that the Peshmerga would fight outside it's traditional mountainous area?
Last edited by davidbfpo; 10-17-2017 at 10:04 AM. Reason: 73,880v
davidbfpo
Kurds split politically led to collapse in Kirkuk. They could've fought but would've lost to govt forces.
Political ramifications of what happened in Kirkuk. Here's a link to the article.
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