Shia militias gain political clout in Iraq
The Iraqi army’s ineptitude has led to the military importance of Shia militias. Now, the militias are important political actors. PM Abadi meets with militia commanders to plan strategy against ISIL. In that the Shia militias are backed by Iran this will cause concern. Iran is acting more forcefully in the world since the nuclear deal and easing of sanctions. It’s unlikely, however, that Iran will seek to subvert the Baghdad government. Baghdad already has good relations with Tehran and any significant increase in Iranian power will lead to overt Sunni rebellion and possibly the Sunnis’ making common cause with ISIL.
GI killed in action while on commando raid
A US-Kurdish strike on an ISIL area in northern Iraq has freed a number of captives but at the cost of one American death. This is the first American battle death in Iraq since 2011.
Kurdistan’s oil will be increasingly important
Kurdistan, the increasingly separate northern region of Iraq, will be an important oil player in coming years. Costs of production are low and markets await in Europe where reducing imports from Russia is important. The Baghdad government has legal claims to Kurdistan’s oil but support for Kurdistan’s independence is on the rise.