Why The Battle For Tikrit Is Important

Adam J. Tiffen, Task & Purpose: The Outcome Of The Ongoing Battle For Tikrit Could Be A Gamechanger In Iraq

A victory in Tikrit for the Iraqi army and Shiite militiamen could be a huge step in defeating not only ISIS’ military prowess, but its guiding vision as well.

The battle for the Iraqi city of Tikrit is underway after more than a week of fighting between Iraqi army soldiers and Shiite militias against ISIS militants. Over 30,000 soldiers and militiamen backed by jets and helicopters launched a much-anticipated offensive against the ISIS forces currently in control of the city.

For many, the city of Tikrit has special significance, being the birthplace of former dictator Saddam Hussein and his power base of supporters during his decades-long rule. It is also the birthplace of Saddam’s predecessor, former President Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, and the traditional seat of the Iraqi Ba’ath Party. For almost 40 years, Iraq’s politics and governance was dominated by natives of Tikrit. While al Anbar province may be the tribal “heart” of Sunni Iraq, Tikrit is its political and intellectual “head.”

WNU Editor: This battle is important as explained by the following analysis .... Expected Shiite victory in Tikrit seen as cementing Iran’s influence in Iraq (Mitchell Prothero, McClatchy)