Shi'ite paramilitaries riding military vehicles travel from Lake Tharthar toward Ramadi to fight against Islamic state militants, west of Samarra, Iraq May 27, 2015. Reuters/Stringer
Reuters: Islamic State settles into Ramadi, but the lull unlikely to last
The blind man with just one hand arrived at the main mosque in the centre of the Iraqi city of Ramadi at dusk on Wednesday, flanked by Islamic State fighters.
When the evening prayer was over, the man, whose head was shrouded in black, delivered a speech to the faithful, hailing the Islamic State's capture of the capital of Anbar Province - its greatest victory over Iraqi forces in almost a year.
Ali Attiya al-Jubouri, widely known as "the blind judge", is one of Islamic State's most senior figures and his presence in the mosque signalled the group's dominance over the city, which it seized on May 17 from hapless government forces.
More News On The Islamic State Preparing To Defend Ramadi Against An Iraqi Government Assault
Islamic State planting IEDs, improving defenses in Ramadi ahead of counterattack -- Washington Times
Pentagon: Iraqis, Islamic State sizing each other up for new Ramadi battle -- Stars and Stripes
No U.S.-trained troops in Iraq's new fight for Ramadi -- Military Times
Iraqi military moves closer to Ramadi liberation -- USA Today
Baghdad: Iraqi forces have Ramadi 'surrounded' -- Rudaw
Islamic State suicide bombings kill troops in Iraq's Anbar -- BBC
Islamic State suicide attacks hinder Iraq's Anbar push -- USA Today
Truck bombs: Islamic State’s ‘air force’ -- Times of Israel/AFP
General Allen: ‘Pretty Good’ ISIS Forces Took Ramadi -- CBS
Islamic State 'blind judge' shows up in Ramadi as Iraqi forces make slow advance -- Reuters
Senior Islamic State cleric, ‘the blind judge,’ gives speech in Ramadi -- Washington Times
Isil targets Sunni families in Ramadi with revenge killings -- The Telegraph
Ramadi's Displaced Find Restrictions, Not Refuge, in Baghdad -- Al-Monitor
U.N.: 85,000 flee Ramadi since ISIS capture -- AFP
Analysis: Growing sense that airstrikes alone will not dislodge the Islamic State group -- FOX News
The Long Battle Ahead Against Islamic State -- Aaron David Miller, WSJ
The Islamic State Wages A Smart, Inspired War As U.S. Falters -- Investors Business Daily
8 comments:
Is this a military column or a New Jersey highway repair crew?
Back to seriousness or Syria. As stated before Assad/Syria, Hezbollah, and Iran are approaching if not there already the moment of major geo/political decisions. Iran's grand play for dominance in the Middle East is at the brink of collapse. The cutting of land communications between Iran and Syria/Hezbollah is taking it's toll. For Iran, Assad cannot fall, therefore look for several probable moves on Iran's part. Though stretched thin now, a much greater Hezbollah participation in Syria with the use of their hoard of rockets tactical and strategic against ISIS. The public entry of Iranian regulars into Iraq. They would have a two fold mission, the prevention of the fall of Baghdad, Qum, Karbala, and Basra. If this is accomplished then west to Syria and the relief of Assad and Hezbollah. A good indicator of this coming would be Iran setting up political cover such as treaties, pacts, etc with Iraq and Syria. Would Assad agree? At this point he have little choice. Again, the elephant in the room, what will if anything, Israel do?
The future:
If Saudi Arabia falls;
1) To Isis, the going off line of their and the Gulf States crude production.
2) To Iran, an even larger percentage of crude production under control of a demonstrably anti-west government with the military presence to back their threat.
3) Western military intervention into the Persian gulf and Red Sea? Almost a certainty. Successful, who knows.
4) And then what would be Russia's and Chin's reactions?
5) If Isis takes the peninsula with Mecca and Medinah, the influx of foreign volunteers would make what we see now laughable.
I do this blog because I enjoy learning what I read .... to gain a small understanding on what is happening around the world.
The bonus is the humor of my readers, and their insights on what they think is happening around the world.
James .... your two comments illustrate this point perfectly.
Thankyou WNU, I hadn't realized you had prior experience in law enforcement as this video illustrates. Being multilingual does come in handy for you.
https://youtu.be/93ZDOcU2TL4
James .... don't laugh .... but I am .... or should I say was .... a professional accordionist.
OK, let me get this mental image correct now. Back in the 80's in a chinese province a mid level Russian FSO arrives to negotiate trade agreements. He appears at the first meeting dressed in shorts, socks, and carrying an accordion. Details of the agreement were swiftly hammered out by his monkey and the year of the Celestial Polka began (which the Chinese have never quite recovered). No I will not laugh, but James will lie down now.
Do not forget golf James.
Speaking of golf. I think the Russian - Texas Cultural Foundation should have its annual meeting at Pebble Beach each year .... paid for by our gracious and generous sponsors.
" paid for by our gracious and generous sponsors" or else.
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