U.S. And Iraq Divided On Where The War Against The Islamic State Should Proceed Next

Wall Street Journal: Iraq, U.S. Are Divided on What’s Next in Battle Against Islamic State

After retaking Tikrit, Americans look to Mosul while Iraqis want to reclaim province of Salahudeen

Iraqi security forces and their U.S. partners are divided about where to next confront Islamic State after their victory over the extremist group in Tikrit last week.

Both hope to capitalize on the momentum to reclaim all of the surrounding province of Salahudeen. The bulk of that effort will focus 25 miles northwest of the provincial capital Tikrit on the refinery city of Beiji, which is partially held by Islamic State forces.

Beyond that, the two sides diverge.

American officials say it makes the most sense to push further north toward Islamic State’s de facto capital of Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city.

“It’s what makes tactical and operational sense,” said a U.S. military official. “You secure 50% of Iraq and the majority of populated Iraq, then you push west. You push the enemy back into Syria.”

WNU Editor: If the past few months is any indication .... the Iraqis and their Iranian - Shiite militia allies will do what they want, and when they are stuck or in a quagmire is when they will call in U.S. air support and fire power. If things go wrong .... they blame the U.S. .... when things go right .... they take the credit.