Mosul strikes are start of new effort against Islamic State

[webfact]

Mosul strikes are start of new effort against Islamic State
LOLITA C. BALDOR, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — An uptick in airstrikes in northern Iraq this past week marks the beginning of a broader effort to disrupt Islamic State supply lines ahead of an expected operation later this year to take back the city from militants, U.S. military officials said Friday.

Coalition airstrikes have pounded at least two dozen locations around Mosul, destroying dozens of vehicles, buildings, fighting positions and insurgent units.

The airstrikes, said one senior military official, are the start of a new phase, and military leaders are watching to see how Islamic State militants respond as their supply and communications lines dry up. The official was not authorized to discuss the operations publicly so spoke on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, at the Pentagon Friday Rear Adm. John Kirby said U.S. efforts to train Iraqi forces and moderate Syrian rebels to fight Islamic State militants are moving forward, even as insurgents still control about 21,000 square miles (55,000 sq. kilometers) of Iraq.

Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, laid out a flurry of details and data aimed at showing the progress the coalition has made since it began airstrikes against the insurgents in Iraq last August.

Kirby said that about 270 square miles (700 sq. kilometers) in Iraq have been regained from militants, mostly by Kurdish forces in the north. He cautioned that control of land across the country will continually change over time, and it will be a long struggle.

"I think we all recognize that it's a small percentage of the total right now. But we're only six, seven months into this thing, too," said Kirby. "ISIL had a big head start on us, coming into the summer. A pretty aggressive first quarter for those guys."

He added, however, that while it will take time to uproot the Islamic State group, 270 square miles (700 sq. kilometers) also is not an insignificant amount.

U.S. officials have said the coalition has stalled the momentum of the Islamic State militants, and Kirby said Friday that about 6,000 of the fighters have been killed, according to estimated battle damage assessment of the airstrikes. U.S. officials estimate there were between 20,000 and about 30,000 insurgent fighters, including core Islamic State militants and other aligned militias.

Kirby said the number killed is "not a metric that we're going to hang our hat on when it comes to talking to the success of this strategy ... This is not a uniformed army with identification cards and recruiting posters. So, it's hard to say at any given time how many fighters they have in the field."

Instead, he said that more relevant measures of success would be the effect airstrikes and other operations have had on the insurgents' ability to operate and communicate. He said the Islamic State group is more on the defensive, struggling to get supplies and financing and having difficulties replacing destroyed weapons and machinery.

"While we're seeing all that, we're also mindful that they're still a potent force inside Iraq and in Syria. And that this is going to continue to take some time," he said.

Kirby also said that training has begun in all four planned sites in Iraq. About 3,600 Iraqi and Kurdish forces are in the pipeline for training at sites in Irbil, Bismayah, Taji and at Anbar Province's al-Asad Air Base. The training camp in Irbil began operations Friday, and about 100 peshmerga fighters have started their instruction.

So far, plans are to train nine Iraqi brigades and three Kurdish brigades.

Training for the moderate Syrian rebels has also begun to move forward. Kirby said Friday that an advance team of fewer than 100 U.S. troops will soon head to training sites in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar to begin site surveys and other preparations for the Syrian rebel training. The next wave of several hundred trainers and support troops could deploy in the coming weeks.

Preliminary discussions with Syrian rebel groups have started, but actual vetting of individual fighters for the training hasn't begun yet. Kirby said military leaders are optimistic that they will have an adequate pool of rebel fighters, adding that they will be vetted periodically throughout the process to insure they are working with the right people.

The recruiting process is expected to take three to five months, so training could begin by early spring. That training will take six to eight months, so the first Syrian fighters won't be on the battlefield until late fall or the end of the year.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-01-24

[arjunadawn]

If this is how to fight a war we have learned nothing in recorded human history. History will judge the losers poorly.

Kids playing war with sticks and forts demonstrate greater skills and decision making than the combined Western World in the past decades. If not so dreadfully dark it would be funny. ...Western Civilization inches its way ever closer to the darkness of 7th century tribalism and cannot muster the combined strength to defeat to even define their threat?

"Moderate Syrian rebels" -

Edited January 24, 2015 by arjunadawn

[wabothai]

Most of the footsoldiers are just a bunch of ignorant easy to manipulate uneducated folks. Go after their leaders and hold them responsible for genocide. The footfolks will go home when they have no leadership.

[Exsexyman]

If this is how to fight a war we have learned nothing in recorded human history. History will judge the losers poorly.

Kids playing war with sticks and forts demonstrate greater skills and decision making than the combined Western World in the past decades. If not so dreadfully dark it would be funny. ...Western Civilization inches its way ever closer to the darkness of 7th century tribalism and cannot muster the combined strength to defeat to even define their threat?

"Moderate Syrian rebels" -

From the OP. Training for the moderate Syrian rebels has also begun to move forward. Preliminary discussions with Syrian rebel groups have started, but actual vetting of individual fighters for the training hasn't begun yet.

US military trainer: Are you now or have you ever been a member of ISIS?

Ahmed: No sir. Absolutely not sir. Never in a million years.

US military trainer: Splendid. Step this way.

Ahmed: Really! Allahu Akbar.

[Morch]

Most of the footsoldiers are just a bunch of ignorant easy to manipulate uneducated folks. Go after their leaders and hold them responsible for genocide. The footfolks will go home when they have no leadership.

Until the next leader to manipulate them comes along?

Or perhaps they'll actually won't be so passive and independently look for another leader?

Or perhaps they'll wish to avenge their fallen leader first?

All these options will now come with a new set of skills curtsey of the USA.

[cookee68]

Why bother training people who will proberly use their training to kill you, or train others to kill you

[cookee68]

If this is how to fight a war we have learned nothing in recorded human history. History will judge the losers poorly.

Kids playing war with sticks and forts demonstrate greater skills and decision making than the combined Western World in the past decades. If not so dreadfully dark it would be funny. ...Western Civilization inches its way ever closer to the darkness of 7th century tribalism and cannot muster the combined strength to defeat to even define their threat?

"Moderate Syrian rebels" -

From the OP. Training for the moderate Syrian rebels has also begun to move forward. Preliminary discussions with Syrian rebel groups have started, but actual vetting of individual fighters for the training hasn't begun yet.

US military trainer: Are you now or have you ever been a member of ISIS?

Ahmed: No sir. Absolutely not sir. Never in a million years.

US military trainer: Splendid. Step this way.

Ahmed: Really! Allahu Akbar.

The same happened in America with gang bangers, they joined the army to use that experience against the police for tactics

[VillageIdiot]

Most of the footsoldiers are just a bunch of ignorant easy to manipulate uneducated folks. Go after their leaders and hold them responsible for genocide. The footfolks will go home when they have no leadership.

Which side are you talking about... us or them?

[ggold]

If this is how to fight a war we have learned nothing in recorded human history. History will judge the losers poorly.

Kids playing war with sticks and forts demonstrate greater skills and decision making than the combined Western World in the past decades. If not so dreadfully dark it would be funny. ...Western Civilization inches its way ever closer to the darkness of 7th century tribalism and cannot muster the combined strength to defeat to even define their threat?

"Moderate Syrian rebels" -

From the OP. Training for the moderate Syrian rebels has also begun to move forward. Preliminary discussions with Syrian rebel groups have started, but actual vetting of individual fighters for the training hasn't begun yet.

US military trainer: Are you now or have you ever been a member of ISIS?

Ahmed: No sir. Absolutely not sir. Never in a million years.

US military trainer: Splendid. Step this way.

Ahmed: Really! Allahu Akbar.

The same happened in America with gang bangers, they joined the army to use that experience against the police for tactics

I think one gang banger got into the white house!

[arjunadawn]

Its total BS at every level; even the absurd notion that we are going to now train moderate rebels. What utter nonsense. Remember, this is secondary to a legislative approval whereas the moderate rebels have been already trained for a number of years now under "other government agency" program. You find me a sunni "moderate" from this area who wants to work for the US and its allies and I will show you a perfect example of taqiyya- lying!

The iconic photos of IS invading Iraq with a long line of Toyota trucks was actually all purchased, funded, and delivered, by the USA. Syrian rebel "moderates," speaking on the other side of the ocean, insisted the Syrian "moderates" have these trucks. Poof! Then IS is driving them on their blitzkrieg- not one, not ten, but all of them. The West has been so obviously playing both sides of this sick game. I truly believe buffoons are running the show.

http://landdestroyer.blogspot.com/2014/10/us-helping-isis-one-accidental-airdrop.html

http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-04-01/one-toyota-pickup-truck-top-shopping-list-free-syrian-army-and-taliban

http://www.globalresearch.ca/how-the-us-supports-the-islamic-state-isis-one-accidental-airdrop-vs-billions-in-covert-military-aid/5409449?print=1

[Morch]

Its total BS at every level; even the absurd notion that we are going to now train moderate rebels. What utter nonsense. Remember, this is secondary to a legislative approval whereas the moderate rebels have been already trained for a number of years now under "other government agency" program. You find me a sunni "moderate" from this area who wants to work for the US and its allies and I will show you a perfect example of taqiyya- lying!

The iconic photos of IS invading Iraq with a long line of Toyota trucks was actually all purchased, funded, and delivered, by the USA. Syrian rebel "moderates," speaking on the other side of the ocean, insisted the Syrian "moderates" have these trucks. Poof! Then IS is driving them on their blitzkrieg- not one, not ten, but all of them. The West has been so obviously playing both sides of this sick game. I truly believe buffoons are running the show.

http://landdestroyer.blogspot.com/2014/10/us-helping-isis-one-accidental-airdrop.html

http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-04-01/one-toyota-pickup-truck-top-shopping-list-free-syrian-army-and-taliban

http://www.globalresearch.ca/how-the-us-supports-the-islamic-state-isis-one-accidental-airdrop-vs-billions-in-covert-military-aid/5409449?print=1

First and third links are the same article by none other than Tony Cartalucci (heavily relying on Seymour Hersh). The second one being basically a Toyota Hilux commercial advertisement. Guess all three brands are somewhat of an acquired taste.

The article is a mixed bag, sort of lost interest where it states that Jabhat al-Nusra is an offshoot of ISIS. This is, at best, a very simplified view of the relationship between the two groups. Others may by less kind, and say it is simply incorrect.

There were more than one report about whole clans (or tribes, whatever) of Syrians switching alliances between the various organizations operating in their respective areas. This is sometimes done voluntarily and sometimes not, and seems like at least some reports were attempts at disinformation (if by one of the organizations, Assad or outside forces - anyone's guess). While the general notion of funding and training locals may be bogus, it does not necessarily mean that the USA knowingly provided them pickups to ISIS. Enough that a whole clan breaks ranks and brings over the vehicles as dowry.

Holding this position makes it possible to criticize the USA's handling of the situation without attributing hyper-nefarious aims. Not as sexy, that's for sure.

Edited January 24, 2015 by Morch

[simple1]

Its total BS at every level; even the absurd notion that we are going to now train moderate rebels. What utter nonsense. Remember, this is secondary to a legislative approval whereas the moderate rebels have been already trained for a number of years now under "other government agency" program. You find me a sunni "moderate" from this area who wants to work for the US and its allies and I will show you a perfect example of taqiyya- lying!

The iconic photos of IS invading Iraq with a long line of Toyota trucks was actually all purchased, funded, and delivered, by the USA. Syrian rebel "moderates," speaking on the other side of the ocean, insisted the Syrian "moderates" have these trucks. Poof! Then IS is driving them on their blitzkrieg- not one, not ten, but all of them. The West has been so obviously playing both sides of this sick game. I truly believe buffoons are running the show.

http://landdestroyer.blogspot.com/2014/10/us-helping-isis-one-accidental-airdrop.html

http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-04-01/one-toyota-pickup-truck-top-shopping-list-free-syrian-army-and-taliban

http://www.globalresearch.ca/how-the-us-supports-the-islamic-state-isis-one-accidental-airdrop-vs-billions-in-covert-military-aid/5409449?print=1

First and third links are the same article by none other than Tony Cartalucci (heavily relying on Seymour Hersh). The second one being basically a Toyota Hilux commercial advertisement. Guess all three brands are somewhat of an acquired taste.

The article is a mixed bag, sort of lost interest where it states that Jabhat al-Nusra is an offshoot of ISIS. This is, at best, a very simplified view of the relationship between the two groups. Others may by less kind, and say it is simply incorrect.

There were more than one report about whole clans (or tribes, whatever) of Syrians switching alliances between the various organizations operating in their respective areas. This is sometimes done voluntarily and sometimes not, and seems like at least some reports were attempts at disinformation (if by one of the organizations, Assad or outside forces - anyone's guess). While the general notion of funding and training locals may be bogus, it does not necessarily mean that the USA knowingly provided them pickups to ISIS. Enough that a whole clan breaks ranks and brings over the vehicles as dowry.

Holding this position makes it possible to criticize the USA's handling of the situation without attributing hyper-nefarious aims. Not as sexy, that's for sure.

As previously reported and noted on the forum a number of Sunni tribes have refused to swear allegiance to IS for which hundreds have been murdered. These events occurred in Anbar Province, similarly in other areas of Iraq & Syria.

It just may be the awful reality of realpolitik to reach an agreement with Assad, but one has to wonder the impact of the unrestrained extreme brutality of the Assad regime prior & during the Arab Spring on the current situation.

[arjunadawn]

Its total BS at every level; even the absurd notion that we are going to now train moderate rebels. What utter nonsense. Remember, this is secondary to a legislative approval whereas the moderate rebels have been already trained for a number of years now under "other government agency" program. You find me a sunni "moderate" from this area who wants to work for the US and its allies and I will show you a perfect example of taqiyya- lying!

The iconic photos of IS invading Iraq with a long line of Toyota trucks was actually all purchased, funded, and delivered, by the USA. Syrian rebel "moderates," speaking on the other side of the ocean, insisted the Syrian "moderates" have these trucks. Poof! Then IS is driving them on their blitzkrieg- not one, not ten, but all of them. The West has been so obviously playing both sides of this sick game. I truly believe buffoons are running the show.

http://landdestroyer.blogspot.com/2014/10/us-helping-isis-one-accidental-airdrop.html

http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-04-01/one-toyota-pickup-truck-top-shopping-list-free-syrian-army-and-taliban

http://www.globalresearch.ca/how-the-us-supports-the-islamic-state-isis-one-accidental-airdrop-vs-billions-in-covert-military-aid/5409449?print=1

First and third links are the same article by none other than Tony Cartalucci (heavily relying on Seymour Hersh). The second one being basically a Toyota Hilux commercial advertisement. Guess all three brands are somewhat of an acquired taste.

The article is a mixed bag, sort of lost interest where it states that Jabhat al-Nusra is an offshoot of ISIS. This is, at best, a very simplified view of the relationship between the two groups. Others may by less kind, and say it is simply incorrect.

There were more than one report about whole clans (or tribes, whatever) of Syrians switching alliances between the various organizations operating in their respective areas. This is sometimes done voluntarily and sometimes not, and seems like at least some reports were attempts at disinformation (if by one of the organizations, Assad or outside forces - anyone's guess). While the general notion of funding and training locals may be bogus, it does not necessarily mean that the USA knowingly provided them pickups to ISIS. Enough that a whole clan breaks ranks and brings over the vehicles as dowry.

Holding this position makes it possible to criticize the USA's handling of the situation without attributing hyper-nefarious aims. Not as sexy, that's for sure.

Perhaps I lack the research power today- yesterday- to support my view but there is little remaining doubt for me that my government has created this Hydra and it quickly escaped its leash. Indeed, this is among SA's biggest irritations with the USA- and Egypt... and UAE... and Russia... and Iran... jeez, of course the powered up IS with weapons.

[Morch]

Its total BS at every level; even the absurd notion that we are going to now train moderate rebels. What utter nonsense. Remember, this is secondary to a legislative approval whereas the moderate rebels have been already trained for a number of years now under "other government agency" program. You find me a sunni "moderate" from this area who wants to work for the US and its allies and I will show you a perfect example of taqiyya- lying!

The iconic photos of IS invading Iraq with a long line of Toyota trucks was actually all purchased, funded, and delivered, by the USA. Syrian rebel "moderates," speaking on the other side of the ocean, insisted the Syrian "moderates" have these trucks. Poof! Then IS is driving them on their blitzkrieg- not one, not ten, but all of them. The West has been so obviously playing both sides of this sick game. I truly believe buffoons are running the show.

http://landdestroyer.blogspot.com/2014/10/us-helping-isis-one-accidental-airdrop.html

http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-04-01/one-toyota-pickup-truck-top-shopping-list-free-syrian-army-and-taliban

http://www.globalresearch.ca/how-the-us-supports-the-islamic-state-isis-one-accidental-airdrop-vs-billions-in-covert-military-aid/5409449?print=1

In years gone by I always had the greatest respect for Mossad's ability to clean out these vipers but now we have not only them but every other clandestine agency being noticeably mum on this whole thing.

Does this mean that they are hard at work or have they (all concerned) been muzzled?

Intelligence organizations seldom do press conferences to report actions taken.

Guess that some things are harder to do at time and age, some easier. Terrorists learn pretty quick from experience.

But here's a thought - if one wanted to track movements of the enemy (amongst other things) handing over a bunch of bugged pickups would be a small price to pay.

[arjunadawn]

Its total BS at every level; even the absurd notion that we are going to now train moderate rebels. What utter nonsense. Remember, this is secondary to a legislative approval whereas the moderate rebels have been already trained for a number of years now under "other government agency" program. You find me a sunni "moderate" from this area who wants to work for the US and its allies and I will show you a perfect example of taqiyya- lying!

The iconic photos of IS invading Iraq with a long line of Toyota trucks was actually all purchased, funded, and delivered, by the USA. Syrian rebel "moderates," speaking on the other side of the ocean, insisted the Syrian "moderates" have these trucks. Poof! Then IS is driving them on their blitzkrieg- not one, not ten, but all of them. The West has been so obviously playing both sides of this sick game. I truly believe buffoons are running the show.

http://landdestroyer.blogspot.com/2014/10/us-helping-isis-one-accidental-airdrop.html

http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-04-01/one-toyota-pickup-truck-top-shopping-list-free-syrian-army-and-taliban

http://www.globalresearch.ca/how-the-us-supports-the-islamic-state-isis-one-accidental-airdrop-vs-billions-in-covert-military-aid/5409449?print=1

In years gone by I always had the greatest respect for Mossad's ability to clean out these vipers but now we have not only them but every other clandestine agency being noticeably mum on this whole thing.

Does this mean that they are hard at work or have they (all concerned) been muzzled?

Intelligence organizations seldom do press conferences to report actions taken.

Guess that some things are harder to do at time and age, some easier. Terrorists learn pretty quick from experience.

But here's a thought - if one wanted to track movements of the enemy (amongst other things) handing over a bunch of bugged pickups would be a small price to pay.

I read (I think it was you) your comments regarding the links I posted. I did not read each one. I had my own formed opinion then did a search and quickly viewed bylines, and posted. I accept it was redundant. But yes, I do seek news that confirms my suspicions. The ostensible "Syrian Free Army" -(you cant make this crap up its so ridiculous- even the name comes directly out of the US Army playbook for creating names for phantom OP4 training good and bad guys)- ...had/has a lobbying element in DC and are probably made up of people who deeply oppose the barbaric Assad and are not likely themselves IS type folks. But facts on the ground are quite different. Insofar as the islamic scripture actually does authorize much of what IS does, it gets quite hard to be "moderate" when the enemy is not just Assad but those cousins and brothers beside you who, belonging to another group, are informed by Islam, and not the West in their quest.

In any event, I refuse to believe the West is trying to "win" anything. There is simply too much to gain from drawing this out, and further uncertainty if IS was fully arrested- but this will come to any number of dangerous ends. The problem with the calculus is it is based on nationalism, or even tribalism, and little account was made for the obvious wild card- Islam. Islam will trump the family, the tribe, and the State every time. Thus, the West has lost control of this debacle and empowered islamic jihad exponentially since the dubious "Arab Spring." I noted before IS was not intended to impinge Kurds, thus they were thumped back away from autonomous Kurdistan; Irbil, etc. I think this is the intention again regarding Mosul- to actually redirect IS energies toward where the West wants it focused- by denying them preferred battlespace.

[Morch]

Its total BS at every level; even the absurd notion that we are going to now train moderate rebels. What utter nonsense. Remember, this is secondary to a legislative approval whereas the moderate rebels have been already trained for a number of years now under "other government agency" program. You find me a sunni "moderate" from this area who wants to work for the US and its allies and I will show you a perfect example of taqiyya- lying!

The iconic photos of IS invading Iraq with a long line of Toyota trucks was actually all purchased, funded, and delivered, by the USA. Syrian rebel "moderates," speaking on the other side of the ocean, insisted the Syrian "moderates" have these trucks. Poof! Then IS is driving them on their blitzkrieg- not one, not ten, but all of them. The West has been so obviously playing both sides of this sick game. I truly believe buffoons are running the show.

http://landdestroyer.blogspot.com/2014/10/us-helping-isis-one-accidental-airdrop.html

http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-04-01/one-toyota-pickup-truck-top-shopping-list-free-syrian-army-and-taliban

http://www.globalresearch.ca/how-the-us-supports-the-islamic-state-isis-one-accidental-airdrop-vs-billions-in-covert-military-aid/5409449?print=1

In years gone by I always had the greatest respect for Mossad's ability to clean out these vipers but now we have not only them but every other clandestine agency being noticeably mum on this whole thing.

Does this mean that they are hard at work or have they (all concerned) been muzzled?

Intelligence organizations seldom do press conferences to report actions taken.

Guess that some things are harder to do at time and age, some easier. Terrorists learn pretty quick from experience.

But here's a thought - if one wanted to track movements of the enemy (amongst other things) handing over a bunch of bugged pickups would be a small price to pay.

I read (I think it was you) your comments regarding the links I posted. I did not read each one. I had my own formed opinion then did a search and quickly viewed bylines, and posted. I accept it was redundant. But yes, I do seek news that confirms my suspicions. The ostensible "Syrian Free Army" -(you cant make this crap up its so ridiculous- even the name comes directly out of the US Army playbook for creating names for phantom OP4 training good and bad guys)- ...had/has a lobbying element in DC and are probably made up of people who deeply oppose the barbaric Assad and are not likely themselves IS type folks. But facts on the ground are quite different. Insofar as the islamic scripture actually does authorize much of what IS does, it gets quite hard to be "moderate" when the enemy is not just Assad but those cousins and brothers beside you who, belonging to another group, are informed by Islam, and not the West in their quest.

In any event, I refuse to believe the West is trying to "win" anything. There is simply too much to gain from drawing this out, and further uncertainty if IS was fully arrested- but this will come to any number of dangerous ends. The problem with the calculus is it is based on nationalism, or even tribalism, and little account was made for the obvious wild card- Islam. Islam will trump the family, the tribe, and the State every time. Thus, the West has lost control of this debacle and empowered islamic jihad exponentially since the dubious "Arab Spring." I noted before IS was not intended to impinge Kurds, thus they were thumped back away from autonomous Kurdistan; Irbil, etc. I think this is the intention again regarding Mosul- to actually redirect IS energies toward where the West wants it focused- by denying them preferred battlespace.

Seeking reports which support one's postulations is alright, provided that this is not exclusive.

To begin with, the "Free Syrian Army" was just the largest of the (relatively, at least) non-sectarian and non-IS/AQ groups. There were a host of similar outfits, with (relatively) minor regional, ethnic and religious differences between them. As things evolved, the FSA merged with some, incorporated others and became an umbrella organizations for those who kept somewhat higher levels of independence. That this was supported by active lobbying in DC is true enough, and the same goes for marketing it as a moderately religious (or even secular) organizations. While this may not have been outright deceiving, someone probably did not stress that world I keep using - 'relatively'.

One reading into this, is that during earlier phases of the war, things were a little different. Deserters from the Syrian Army still held a semblance of order and discipline,and AQ/IS involvement wasn't that on par with current scope. Ultimately, the deserters faced a desertion problem within their own ranks. Perhaps the earlier notion that this would end up with the same Syria, different management was indeed the intention of some local leaders, but obviously it was both out of touch with other influences and the stalemate vs. Assad did not help much.

That many among the ranks of of what (nominally - more loose than most realize) constitutes the FSA actually go for extremist views (even if not for the IS/AQ versions) is a fact. This is hardly a unified organization (and whole units been known to change allegiances or go their own way), so the wisdom of still treating it as anything resembling a solid proposition is much in doubt.

I do not think that the FSA was a hoax to begin with (granted, the name is a giveaway, but that could have been marketing) - but not letting this fantasy go is definitely throwing sand in the public's eyes. Actually facilitating more training, funds and arms - folly.

Doubt that there is a unified Western position as such on how to deal with IS, or that there is a master plan being unfolded - but that's an longstanding argument, as usual - agree to disagree. There is, however, a point which I think merits attention - namely, that "Islam will trump the family, the tribe, and the State every time". State, yes, of course. Considering most of the current Arab countries are basically lines drawn on maps by outsiders, there is no reason for national sentiment to be especially prominent. When it comes to tribe, clan or family things are quite possibly less clear cut than that. A lot of the groups switching sides on a wholesale level do it according to tribal or clan considerations. This reflects itself in territorial gains and consolidation of control over these. Even the Caliphates of old were not necessarily always unified empires. The effects of tribalism and ethnic divisions could be found in almost every aspect of life in the Middle East.