Russia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria to coordinate against ISIL
This announcement is bound to annoy Washington as it brings Russia further into the Middle East. It stems in part from Washington’s refusal to see that ousting Assad is less important than combating/defeating ISIL. Don’ expect much to come of this announcement. Iraq’s army is far too weak, Syria’s is overextended and weary. Russia will present itself as leading the fight against ISIL. The US might welcome this move as a allowing it to avoid greater involvement, but it will be seen as Russian intrigue.
Attraction of ISIL remains strong
Thousands of recruits continue to join up with ISIL, despite its horrific acts, despite the continued air war on it. I have to wonder what the statistics on recruitment are based on. They are probably worst-case estimates from intelligence agencies that have been wrong about ISIL before.
Israeli intelligence sees Syria as no longer existing
Syria has broken down into four main regions: Shia, al Nusrah, ISIL, and Kurds/. Israeli intelligence also beehives that Saudi Arabia and Qatar are supporting the al Nusrah Front and that this has moderated the al Qaeda affiliate. I saw Syria break apart three and a half years ago.