The Long Haul:

U.S.-Iraq Security Cooperation

During and After ISIS’ Defeat

Dr. Michael Knights

Lafer Fellow, Head Iraq / KRG Programme,

Washington Institute for Near East Policy

ISF Brigade ORBAT

Peshmerga/Zerevany Brigade ORBAT

Overall Security Picture

Shia militia dominance around Baghdad, the Diyala River Valley, and the Baghdad-Kirkuk highway.

Limited ISF success in the Western Euphrates River Valley.

ISF thrusts up the Tigris River Valley towards Beyji.

Hasty option of “Thunder Run” to Mosul faded.

Deliberate option coming to fore: Strangle Mosul, assault in Q3-Q4 2015.

National Guard implementation vital to mid-term stabilization.

KRG

ISF

America’s “Yalta Moment” in Iraq?

WINEP

Iranian-Backed Shia Militias: Double Standards?

Are the Shia Militias Any Worse Than Our Sunni “Allies”?

• Shia militias

are arguably

no more

morally risky

than other

fighters in

Iraq.

• However they

are much

more

potentially

dangerous to

the country.

Iranian-Backed Militias Will Lengthen the War Against ISIS

Iranian-Backed Militias Will Undermine Iraq’s Independence

Iraqi Leaders Recognize the Risk Posed by Militia Rule

Outperforming Iran as a Security Partner

WINEP

Relationship-Building in Parallel With Capacity-Building

Thank you for your attention!

“In Their Shoes” 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, May 9, 2015, at Cameron Run

Regional Park in Alexandria Virginia

www.sicfiraq.org