The Iraq crisis becomes more and more interesting. Today we are learning that ISIS has made some sort of temporary common cause with former Iraqi Army (sadddam period) people to include a large number of men who are members of the "Army of the Men of the Naqshbandi Order." The naqshbandiya is the largest Sufi order in the Islamic World . Izzat Ibrahim, the redhead who was Saddam's VP is a member and is reputedly recognized at least temporarily by ISIS as something like field coordinator for the campaign. Izzat's nephew is an Iraqi Republican guard general who commanded an armored division and a mechanised infantry division in the war with Iran as well as holding the post of chief of military intelligence during that war. His name is Sabr Abd al-Aziz Al-Douri.
Contrary to public delusion in the USA, the former Iraqi Army had many capable and well trained officers. The speed and effective direction of this offensive seems to me to show the participation of such officers as Sabr- Abd al-Aziz al-Douri.
If that is the case, then Maliki's army is in a real "world of hurt." pl
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izzat_Ibrahim_al-Douri
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saber_Abdel_Aziz_al-Douri
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_of_the_Men_of_the_Naqshbandi_Order
jonst,
Sadly watched 5 minutes of Charlie Rose on PBs, first guest up - Richard Haas. Of course now I "know" that Syria is a safe sanctuary for ISIS and the Caliphate is a reality - with tacit Russian backing! Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri? Who's that guy, Richard sure didn't mention him, the Syrian's actually winning that war or any other semblance of reality. Five minutes was all I could take. Charlie has really sold out.
Posted by: Fred | 14 June 2014 at 11:20 AM
Fred
Rose was never anything but a Zionist tool. pl
Posted by: turcopolier | 14 June 2014 at 11:49 AM
Col Lang
.. repeating old behaviors expecting better outcomes is always the road to insanity , ..
Posted by: alba etie | 14 June 2014 at 01:21 PM
correction 'repeating old self deluded & self destructive behavior expecting better outcomes is always the road to insanity "
Posted by: alba etie | 15 June 2014 at 12:49 AM
HawkofMay
My bet is that the Iranian IC community is already putting together real time target sets - that have already been forwarded to the US military . Iirc the Iranians nearly went to war with al Qaida/Taliban in Afghanistan the year before 911. I also recall seeing MSM reports that the Iranians were providing the US military with actionable intelligence in Afghanistan shortly after 911. Furthermore I remember seeing CNN report one time live from Lop Nor - a USAF C-130 being refueled for further operations in Afghanistan .The PRC lost citizens in the Twin Towers attack too . Everybody it seems wanted UBL 's head . Really tragic & really stupid that we pissed away all that international solidarity & good will by engaging in the Bushcheney's Iraq misadventure .
Posted by: alba etie | 15 June 2014 at 01:08 AM
I think you can look forward a proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia (though the Saudis will supply coin/arms and not men).
Anyone listen to Ryan Crocker on Fareed's show this morning? Good grief.
Posted by: shege | 15 June 2014 at 01:03 PM