Iraq Was Not Suppose To End Up Like This

Iraq’s Descent Into Madness, With No Americans in Sight -- Joshua Foust, Defense One

How could al Qaeda in Iraq have become this powerful? Last week, the indefatigable terrorist group supposedly broken by the mighty U.S. military after an eight-year war instead broke into two prisons -- one of which is the infamous Abu Ghraib -- and freed nearly 500 prisoners. They killed 29 police and soldiers and wounded another thirty-five. It was the largest prison break in recent Iraqi history, and prompts a terrifying question for the U.S.: Now what?

Since the official withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq in December of 2011, Iraq has struggled with its own security. Civilian deaths climbed steadily in 2012 and 2013, and according to the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq nearly 700 died from terrorist attacks in June alone -- nearly three times the monthly average in Afghanistan.

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My Comment: What is happening in Iraq today is exactly what many were predicting in 2010-2011 would happen if all US forces were to leave the country. Another prediction that many were making during that time is also coming true today .... Iraq security forces would be outmatched if 'open war' should return.

On a bright note .... at least US forces are not finding themselves in the middle of such a mess.