After repeatedly warning the Iraqi forces in recent weeks against doing anything to slow the buildup of troops around Mosul, US commanders are now advising that Iraq put the offensive on hold for several months, as a recognition that Iraqi troops are “exhausted” and need a break.
Officials say Iraqi troops are struggling with logistics on any offensive outside their territory, and that the US has to basically ferry food and water to them to keep the troops supplied when on an offensive. The Pentagon insists without this the Iraqi offensives would’ve already stalled.
Mosul represents a much bigger problem, with troops effectively going to be 200 miles away from their depots in Baghdad, and US officials say they just don’t think Iraqi troops can pull that off any time soon, and that taking a break would be better.
“A lull won’t be sexy,” admitted Pentagon spokesman Col. Steven Warren, who insisted that letting the Iraqi military rebuild its combat power was a necessary step before they make any mores on Mosul. Iraq has launched some offensives outside of Mosul, but they stalled almost immediately, taking only a couple of villages.
Mosul, Mosul,Mosul. That is all US generals talk about, Iraq took US advice before expectimg full US backing by airforce — but they learnrd better,. Misul is not going anywhere and Iraq is now sticking with plans less ambitious but more productive in insuring that their behind is not exposed, Believe it or not, US is urging them to do a repeat of Charley Brown football kick — to fool ghem again. So far, we are staunchly supporting Al-Qaeda, calling them rebels. And not liberating anything or anybody from either ISIS or Al-Qaeda. So lecturing overstreatched Iraq on tactics is rather rich. Should by some mercy of God US and UK leave the two unfortunate countries today, the gangs wod be defeated in less then three months and Armies of Iraq and Syria will take control. Kurds, Iraqi and Syrians can manage their relationships once imperial carrots and sticks are no longer around to prolong the nightmare.
Good post Bianca! Full of real facts and not too long that people won’t read the whole post. Keep up the good work in that style and content with shorter message than your usual.
You’re a real ally here on antiwar.com!