The Long Haul: U.S.-Iraq Security Cooperation During and After ISIS’ Defeat Dr. Michael Knights Lafer Fellow, Head Iraq / KRG Programme, Washington Institute for Near East Policy
The Long Haul:
U.S.-Iraq Security Cooperation
During and After ISIS’ Defeat
Dr. Michael Knights
Lafer Fellow, Head Iraq / KRG Programme,
Washington Institute for Near East Policy
ISF Brigade ORBAT
Peshmerga/Zerevany Brigade ORBAT
Overall Security Picture
Shia militia dominance around Baghdad, the Diyala River Valley, and the Baghdad-Kirkuk highway.
Limited ISF success in the Western Euphrates River Valley.
ISF thrusts up the Tigris River Valley towards Beyji.
Hasty option of “Thunder Run” to Mosul faded.
Deliberate option coming to fore: Strangle Mosul, assault in Q3-Q4 2015.
National Guard implementation vital to mid-term stabilization.
KRG
ISF
America’s “Yalta Moment” in Iraq?
WINEP
Iranian-Backed Shia Militias: Double Standards?
Are the Shia Militias Any Worse Than Our Sunni “Allies”?
• Shia militias
are arguably
no more
morally risky
than other
fighters in
Iraq.
• However they
are much
more
potentially
dangerous to
the country.
Iranian-Backed Militias Will Lengthen the War Against ISIS
Iranian-Backed Militias Will Undermine Iraq’s Independence
Iraqi Leaders Recognize the Risk Posed by Militia Rule
Outperforming Iran as a Security Partner
WINEP
Relationship-Building in Parallel With Capacity-Building
Thank you for your attention!
“In Their Shoes” 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, May 9, 2015, at Cameron Run
Regional Park in Alexandria Virginia
www.sicfiraq.org