Worldview: Headed to Iraq to find out what lies ahead – Philly.com
In his State of the Union address, President Trump hardly mentioned foreign policy. But he did repeat his campaign promise to "demolish ISIS" and "extinguish [it] from the planet."
Advertisment
of
The battle to uproot the so-called Islamic State, which is centered in the cities of Mosul, Iraq, and Raqqa, Syria, has been underway for months, using local forces backed by U.S. advisers and air power. The president wants it done faster.
Given the historical moment, I will be traveling this week to northern Iraq - near Mosul - to hear what Iraqis, Syrians, and Kurds say about their hopes for the post-ISIS future. I will also be asking what role they want the United States to play in that future, and whether they believe a continuing small U.S. troop presence could help prevent the emergence of ISIS 2.0.
Trump has called for a new military strategy, and last week the Defense Department submitted preliminary options to up the pace (including sending a few hundred more U.S. troops to help Syrian Kurds and Arabs retake Raqqa). And yes, speed matters, since U.S. officials believe new attacks in Europe are being planned in Raqqa.
But it's insufficient for the White House to push for military victory and then turn its back on the region. Unless any military plan is nested in a broader political strategy to stabilize Syria and Iraq, we can expect Son of ISIS to arise in the not-too-distant future.
In the words of the former U.S. Ambassador to Syria and Iraq Ryan Crocker: "You can get it quick or you can get it right."
A broader political strategy would require the United States to play a global leadership role in which Trump shows little interest. It would require close cooperation with NATO and Mideast allies along with intense diplomacy to stabilize Syria and Iraq.
Yet this White House wants to ax 37 percent from the State Department budget. It has prevented Secretary of State Rex Tillerson from appointing the deputy secretary he chose to help run his department.
Moreover, the Trump inner circle is also at war with Secretary of Defense James Mattis, a strategic thinker of the first order, over his choice of Anne Patterson for the key post of undersecretary for policy, the highest civilian job in the department. Patterson, a former U.S. ambassador to Egypt and Pakistan, is tough, farsighted, and knowledgeable about the Mideast and how to deal with jihadis.
Key White House officials are opposing Patterson because she supposedly worked too closely with Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood government from 2012 to mid-2013. Never mind that Morsi and his government were chosen by Egyptian voters in free and fair elections. At the time, working with them held more promise for moderating their views than displaying open hostility. (Morsi was ultimately overthrown by a military coup.)
Some White House officials have an obsession with the Muslim Brotherhood. (They consult conspiracy-theorists and Islamophobes who insist the Brotherhood penetrated the highest levels of U.S. government.) These officials want to put the MB on the list of terrorist organizations.
Never mind that listing the Brotherhood would cause an uproar in Turkey, whose cooperation is vital for the fight against ISIS. Never mind that U.S. allies such as Turkey, Qatar, and Tunisia have governments or major political parties that have roots in the Brotherhood; the organization's different branches aren't monolithic and most hew to nonviolence.
Never mind that Patterson was doing what any smart U.S. ambassador should have been doing: trying to engage with elected Islamist groups in order to understand and influence their behavior.
The same kind of blinkered White House thinking could undercut the role of national security adviser H.R. McMaster, another strategic thinker with broad knowledge of the region and how to counter Islamists. It's still unclear whether McMaster will be permitted to choose the staff he wants, or whether he will have the president's ear.
If the president's inner circle undercuts the cabinet members and advisers who are best placed to devise a long-term Mideast strategy, you can be certain that none will be developed.
So the verdict is still out on whether Trump will focus on short-term military tactics, and rhetorical tirades against "radical Islamic terrorism," while letting the jihadis regroup in the post-ISIS era. It's still unclear if Trump will turn his back on the region after the liberation of Mosul and Raqqa, permitting new terrorist cells to organize as ISIS did from the remnants of al-Qaeda in Iraq.
It would be ironic if Trump goes the tactical route, since it would imitate the mistake made by President Barack Obama, who pulled troops completely out of Iraq in 2011 (on a schedule set by President George W. Bush, whose 2003 Iraq war set the stage for the current regional mess). Yet this strategic error is not out of the question.
Most Americans would probably like the future U.S. role in Iraq and Syria to be minimal - a view that tracks with Donald Trump's.
But averting our eyes, and blocking visas for Muslim immigrants, won't be enough to prevent a terrorist resurgence in the region that will have a global impact and inevitably affect us. Nor will it prevent Iran and Russia from filling the vacuum caused by our absence.
I'll be asking Iraqis and Syrians, both Kurds and Arabs, how they think America can get it right.
Published: March 5, 2017 3:01 AM EST The Philadelphia Inquirer
Over the past year, the Inquirer, the Daily News and Philly.com have uncovered corruption in local and state public offices, shed light on hidden and dangerous environmental risks, and deeply examined the regions growing heroin epidemic. This is indispensable journalism, brought to you by the largest, most experienced newsroom in the region. Fact-based journalism of this caliber isnt cheap. We need your support to keep our talented reporters, editors and photographers holding government accountable, looking out for the public interest, and separating fact from fiction. If you already subscribe, thank you. If not, please consider doing so by clicking on the button below. Subscriptions can be home delivered in print, or digitally read on nearly any mobile device or computer, and start as low as 25 per day. We're thankful for your support in every way.
Continued here:
Worldview: Headed to Iraq to find out what lies ahead - Philly.com
- Tony Blair was urged to delay US invasion of Iraq, archives reveal - The Times - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Britain told US that invading Iraq could cost Blair his premiership, papers reveal - The Guardian - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Iraq Syndrome is dead, why PBS & NPR had to go and other commentary - New York Post - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Turkey submits draft proposal to Iraq to renew, expand energy agreement - Reuters - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Watch Turkey to Seek New Oil Deal With Iraq on Idled Pipeline - Bloomberg.com - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Turkey Eyes New Deal with Iraq on Idled Oil Pipeline - Rigzone - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- It was politically impossible for UK to draw back from Iraq War, new files claim - The Independent - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Trkiyes oil agreement with top exporter Iraq ends by 2026heres what we know - Trkiye Today - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- UK warned US that Iraq war could topple Tony Blair - The New Arab - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Why Turkey ended the oil pipeline pact with Iraq - Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBI - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Trkiye seeks new Iraq deal as it ends over 50-year oil pipeline pact | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Turkey Seeks New Deal with Iraq to Revive Kirkuk-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline - Pipeline and Gas Journal - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Register today to embark on a Spiritual and Educational Journey to Iraq - Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Iraq makes 'decisive findings' about drone attacks without identifying who targeted its bases - ABC News - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Iraq works to rein in culprits after sequence of drone attacks on energy and oil sites - Yahoo Home - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Iraq Set for Key Oil Cargo Surge in Sign of Increased Output - Bloomberg.com - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Officials try to identify 18 bodies in deadly Iraq shopping mall fire - ABC News - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Pope offers condolences, prayers for victims of Iraq fire - Vatican News - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Nutley Mayor John Kelly to deploy with NJ National Guard to Iraq next month - Bergen Record - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Nutley Township mayor set to be deployed to Iraq - News 12 - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Iraq concludes 2025 wheat marketing season with over 6.5 million tons stored - Iraqi News - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Iraq Set for Key Oil Cargo Surge in Sign of Increased Output - gCaptain - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- More than 60 die in fire at newly opened shopping mall in Iraq - The Guardian - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- PKK member killed in Iraq by unidentified drone - The Jerusalem Post - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Vacuum of power: What follows the PKKs fade from Iraq? | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Over 10 years after ISIS takeover, Iraq's Mosul Airport reopens: What to know - AL-Monitor - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Drones Hit Oil Fields in Northern Iraq in Spree of Attacks - Bloomberg.com - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Iraq makes 'decisive findings' about drone attacks without identifying who targeted its bases - Indiana Gazette Online - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Iraq urges Turkiye to act in most severe water scarcity in decades - Shafaq News - - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Earthquake Strikes Duhok Province in Northern Iraq... - jordannews.jo - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Sixty people killed in mall fire in al-Kut city, eastern Iraq - The Jerusalem Post - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Crude Oil Prices Erase Early Gains On The Outlook For Iraq To Boost Crude Exports - Barchart.com - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Investigating deadly Iraq fire and assessing situation in Syria - BBC - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Drone attacks on oil fields in Iraqs Kurdish region shut down facilities - AP News - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Over 60 dead after fire rips through shopping mall in Iraq - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Dozens killed as massive fire rips through shopping mall in eastern Iraq - CNN - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Iraq Agrees on Oil Plan With Kurds in Step Toward Export Deal - Bloomberg - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Nutley Mayor Kelly to be Deployed to Iraq - TAPinto - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- More than 60 people killed as fire breaks out in newly opened Iraq mall - France 24 - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Funerals held for victims of mall fire in eastern Iraq - AP News - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Oil prices barely changed amid disruptions in Iraq and fears of US tariffs - - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Iraq draws Saudi Arabia and Indonesia in final World Cup playoff as hope and caution collide - Iraqi News - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Over 60 people killed commercial building fire in Iraq - WPLG Local 10 - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Fire at newly opened mall in Iraq kills more than 60 people - New York Post - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- A fire at a shopping center in eastern Iraq kills more than 60 people - The Journal Gazette - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Iraq turns to solar energy with 535 government projects and citizen incentives - bne IntelliNews - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- International community offers condolences and support to Iraq after deadly Wasit shopping center fire - Iraqi News - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- "Our goal is to make microgreens accessible to every household in Iraq" - Hortidaily - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Dozens killed in fire at brand-new mall in Iraq - The Washington Post - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Newly opened mall in eastern Iraq in ruins after fire which killed dozens - The Lufkin Daily News - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Fire tears through Iraq shopping centre, killing at least 60 video report - The Guardian - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- UAE Expresses Solidarity with Iraq and Conveys Condolences over Fire at Shopping Mall - Yemen Online - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- 60 Killed, Many Injured As Huge Fire Breaks Out At Shopping Mall In Iraq - NDTV - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- More than 60 killed in fire at Iraq shopping mall - nhk.or.jp - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Shopping centre fire in Iraq kills more than 60 people - The Globe and Mail - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Drone Strikes in Northern Iraq: A Geopolitical Gamble with Oil and Defense - AInvest - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- How does the PKKs disarmament affect Turkey, Syria and Iraq? - The Conversation - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Oilfields in northern Iraq halt operations following drone attacks - Iraqi News - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- U.S. Firm Steps Up As Iraq Fast-Tracks New Floating LNG Terminal - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- "Our goal is to make microgreens accessible to every household in Iraq" - Vertical Farm Daily - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Kurdish separatist fighters in Iraq begin laying down weapons as part of peace process with Turkey - AP News - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Several oil fields shut in Iraq's KRG after 3rd drone strike this week | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Drone strikes target three oil fields in northern Iraq - Latest news from Azerbaijan - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Kurdish PKK militants begin handing over weapons in cave in Iraq - NBC News - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Trkiyes exports to neighbors rise as Iraq leads with $5 billion trade - Trkiye Today - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Iraq achieves self-sufficiency in wheat for third year in a row - Iraqi News - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Former Harrier pilot who served in Iraq appointed RAF chief - The Telegraph - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- In Iraq, drought threatens water supply and ancient heritage - France 24 - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Iraq seeks to foster ties with Islamic Azad University in emerging technologies - Tehran Times - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Azerbaijan and Iraq expand legal cooperation through high-level judicial talks [PHOTOS] - AzerNews - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Kurdish PKK militants burn weapons in Iraq to launch disarmament - Reuters - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Iran is losing its stranglehold over Iraq - The Economist - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Erdoan calls for Turkish-Kurdish-Arab alliance, as PKK holds disarmament ceremony in Iraq - World Socialist Web Site - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Kurdish separatist fighters in Iraq begin laying down weapons as part of peace process with Turkey - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Iraq to establish first seed bank in the region - Iraqi News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- In a ceremony Friday in Iraq members of the Kurdish rebel group PKK destroyed their weapons - IslanderNews.com - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Kurdish PKK fighters burn their weapons at disarmament ceremony in Iraq - The Times of Israel - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Russia, Myanmar, Somalia, Iraq, Lebanon, and Venezuela Designated Extreme Risk Zone as US Urges Citizens to Cancel All Travel Plans This Summer: Heres... - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- PKK terrorists begin disarming in Iraq as 1st step toward dissolution | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Kurdish PKK militants begin handing over weapons in northern Iraq - The Arab Weekly - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]