President Barack Obama meets in New York with representatives of the five Arab nations that contributed in air strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria, September 23, 2014. Sitting next to Obama are Secretary of State John Kerry and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
New York Times: As U.S. Escalates Air War on ISIS, Allies Slip Away
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar — As the United States prepares to intensify airstrikes against the Islamic State in Syria, the Arab allies who with great fanfare sent warplanes on the initial missions there a year ago have largely vanished from the campaign.
The Obama administration heralded the Arab air forces flying side by side with American fighter jets in the campaign’s early days as an important show of solidarity against the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or Daesh. Top commanders like Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, who oversees operations in Syria and Iraq, still laud the Arab countries’ contributions to the fight. But as the United States enters a critical phase of the war in Syria, ordering Special Operations troops to support rebel forces and sending two dozen attack planes to Turkey, the air campaign has evolved into a largely American effort.
Administration officials had sought to avoid the appearance of another American-dominated war, even as most leaders in the Persian Gulf seem more preoccupied with supporting rebels fighting the government of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria. Now, some of those officials note with resignation, the Arab partners have quietly left the United States to run the bulk of the air war in Syria — not the first time Washington has found allies wanting.
WNU Editor: The war in Yemen is becoming a quagmire for America's Arab allies (as predicted) .... draining much of their military resources. Coupled with the growing fact that these same states do not believe the U.S. is serious in waging war against the Islamic State .... they are making the decision to quietly withdraw. Am I surprised by this development .... no. This U.S. coalition has always been just a cover for U.S. action against the Islamic State .... or lack of. And with the exception of Jordan (because of geography) .... the weaknesses of this coalition are now beginning to be exposed. I would also the involvement of Russia (with Iran) has changed the dynamics in the region significantly .... and these Arab allies are acting accordingly, waiting to see what happens next.
6 comments:
I wonder what tricks Putin is going to teach Obama?
Sit?
Rollover?
Heel?
Do I feel bad for denigrating Obama?
No, he has it coming.
When Obama went into Libya, Putin stood by helpless. Now Obama twiddles his thumbs, when Putin acts.
It has come to this because Obama is an all around incompetent enthroned by the liberal Democrats. He has squandered American power, prestige and everything else.
God help us.
Good ol australia always first in and last out with the u.s.
About the only ally you can count on.
The British were in Basra in Iraq for a long time.
I am it sure about the whole Australian contribution, but that would be from ignorance on my part. I did see Aussies in Kuwait. Not sure about in country and do not know about Afghanistan.
I believe the the Ukranians and Poles were in country.
Aust is first to put there hand up for every y.s military action in the past 40 years.
Usually at the request of the u.s due to their ability to work in with u.s military doctrines and punching well above their weight.
You cannot compare australias commit to u.s military campaigns with any other nation as even the british only contribute when they are dragged kicking and screaming.
I was not in Baghdad so I do not know who all was there. I remember briefings where the Ukrainians and Poles were in country. I do not recall the Australians were in country, but my memory might be bad.
The Aussies were in Vietnam and contributed greatly. That I know.
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