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The US offered support to Iraqi troops in the fight against ISIS and, later on, against the Kurdish fighters in Kirkuk. However, it appears the Iraqi didn’t only have US support, but also had a powerful ally in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. If Trump doesn’t take a decision fast, and doesn’t intervene in this new Middle East crisis, the country might soon return into Islamic hands.
US offered support to Iraq against ISIS
In 2014, Iraq was invaded by ISIS, and its troops thrown away from the country. As soon as this happened, Kurdish fighters quickly intervened and occupied the northern city of Kirkuk. These fighters, called Peshmerga, managed to keep it safe from jihadist fighters and from other intruders. Meanwhile, the Iraqi army didn’t waste any time.
With the help of the US, the army of Iraq fought side by side with the Peshmerga, and rid the entire country of ISIS. Once this threat was gone, they turned against the Kurds, and freed Kirkuk in the name of national unity. However, it turns out we weren’t the only ones who helped the Iraqi. They also benefited from plenty of support from the Shiite militias.
It’s better to get involved in the newly simmering conflict
The bad thing with these militias is the fact that they are faithful to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Tehran. President Trump regards this organization as terrorist, but the ex-Iraq ambassador to the United States, Zalmay Khalilzad, thinks this was an undeniable victory for IRGC. Therefore, he urges the US to stay involved in the matter.
Khalilzad doesn’t think the purpose of the US should be to fight against the Kurds and their integrity. Iraq might have strongly opposed the Kurdish referendum for independence, but President Trump and his administration didn’t manifest too big of an interest in the matter. Therefore, Khalilzad thinks it’s time to get involved, and prevent Iraq from falling in the hands of Iran and the Islam-supporting Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
