Iran Attacked Islamic State Forces in Iraq -- WSJ
U.S. Not Coordinating With Tehran on Airstrikes
Iran launched airstrikes in recent days against Islamic State forces along its border with Iraq, an effort to exert more military influence in the region in the face of America’s resurgent role.
It was the first public disclosure of Iranian air force attacks on Islamic State in Iraq. Iran didn't coordinate the strikes or share intelligence with the U.S., officials from both countries said Wednesday, showing that even though their interests in fighting Islamic State are aligning, there is still deep distrust between them.
Iran’s intervention in Iraq poses a conundrum for American officials who welcome help in battling the Sunni extremists of Islamic State, but are worried that the region’s main Shiite power is more intent on fueling sectarian tensions than helping stabilize its neighbor.
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More News On U.S. And Iranian Forces Operating In Iraq
US, Iranian forces operate in separate areas in Iraq -- AFP
War with Isis: Iran joins ‘Great Satan’s’ fight against militants with bombing raids over Iraq -- The Independent
Iranian air force bombing ISIS targets in Iraq without officially joining U.S.-led mission -- National Post/The Telegraph
Here's The 'Buffer Zone' Where The US Says Iran Is Bombing ISIS -- Business Insider
Islamic State: Kerry says any Iran strikes 'positive' -- BBC
U.S. remains opposed to cooperating with Iran against Islamic State: White House -- Reuters
Iranian Airstrikes In Iraq Suggest Warming Relations With US, Maybe Even Coordination -- IBTimes
US and Iran have been forced on to the same side by Isis -- Ian Black, The Guardian
My Comment: They may not be talking to each other, but I suspect that the Iraqi military is acting as the coordinating body to make sure that U.S. and Iranian forces do not find themselves accidentally facing each other in the middle of a war-zone.
Diyala Province: A direct land corridor from Iran to Baghdad. Baghdad, the seat of the Shia government (for all intents and purposes a puppet of Iran)and the northern gateway into the Shia heartland.
ReplyDeleteOn an analytical note; this may indicate that Tehran believes Baghdad is in grave danger and may presage a direct land force intervention through this corridor. Iran can not let Baghdad fall to ISIS, it would make the repair of their Syrio-Lebonese adventure almost impossible and they would lose a lot of their leverage over the US.
I concur James. The Iranians are now facing a lose lose situation on their border and with their Shiite allies in Baghdad. this has all the makings of a perpetual war that can go on for years .... if not decades.
ReplyDeleteWell WNU, you know those theological questions (sunni/shia etc) can be a little tricky, especially when confession and absolution are done at the point of a sword.
ReplyDelete