[July 31, 2014] The Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS), as predicted, slowed its southward advance into the heart of Iraq. While many in the U.S. Department of State predicted otherwise and the thinking was Iraq was in a state of collapse, the latest update from Iraq is that ISIS is “consolidating” its gains. In short, the consolidation means ethnic and religious cleansing. Yet, little is heard about the cleansing effort in world media circles.
Source Unknown but allegedly showing the destruction of the Tomb of Jonah
Regardless of the media’s paucity of information on the war, the government of Iraq still remains ineffective. There is some good news however and that news is that there are a number of Iraqi Army divisions that are excellent fighting forces and they remain capable of taking the fight to the enemy – ISIS. The U.S. is providing a small number of advisors to assist them but have provided little in the way of war material.
Also as predicted, ISIS is beginning its cleansing effort by expelling or executing minorities. Remember that ISIS is a Sunni religious organization that has a large fielded army. They are also destroying any cultural site that they deem “unIslamic”. Just a few days ago for example ISIS destroyed the tomb of Jonah1. The burial site of the prophet Jonah is greatly respected; some believe Jonah was swallowed by a whale or fish. Most of these sites are Shia.
The Western world’s response is to just wait and see what happens. The Middle East has also turned a deaf ear to Iraq. There are many Americans and allies that gave their lives for an Iraq free of dictatorship and from being a regional threat. If ISIS takes over Iraq, those sacrifices will have been for nothing.
Assessing blame for Iraq’s current crises is irrelevant. Doing something that helps the Iraqis is what must be done.
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[1] http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/24/world/iraq-violence/index.html