US tries to defuse Iraq-Turkey rift
The continued presence of Turkish troops in Kurdistan has led to sharp; objections from Iraq, which considers Kurdistan to be part of Iraq. The claim is tenuous but Baghdad does have legal claims to Kurdistan. The US is trying to prevent Iraq from falling under Iranian influence, more so than what occurred after Saddam was ousted. Washington has offered increased military assistance for the ongoing battle of Ramadi and now is trying to pressure Turkey into withdrawal from K-stan. This is a further instance of disunity between the ISISL opposition.
Iraq declines US offer for more military aid
The US, seeking to maintain influence in Iraq, offered attack helicopter support and military advisers to the Baghdad government. The offer has been refused. This is a sign of increased Iranian and Russian influence in Baghdad but it does not indicate that US influence will decline to insignificance.
US ups aid to Arab-Kurdish group in Syria
The US has sent anther tranche of supplies to the Syrian Democratic Forces who are expected to launch an offensive near the ISIL capital of Raqqa in eastern Syria. It si unclear id the Kurdish forces have any interest in fighting outside their territories. The Arab forces are led by a visionary who wants to conquer large parts of the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia as instrumental in the military coup that ousted the Muslim Brotherhood government. Since then, the Saudis have sought to strengthen its ties to the new military government, chiefly with oil subsidies and financial aid. The ultimate aim os to increase Saudi influence in the Middle East, especially among countries with strong armies. The Saudis don’t have one.