Iraq should rebuild national army

Despite recent victories, Baghdad still does not have a coherent strategy to defend its people and Iraq's borders.

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Published: Tue 29 Dec 2015, 6:16 PM

Ramadi is back under Baghdad's control. After almost eight months Iraqi security forces were able to take back the strategic city, which lies just 90km away from the capital. Daesh was just a stone's throw away from the seat of government. That danger is now past with this victory, which would not have happened without help from Iran. The paramilitary force was also instrumental in taking back the northern city of Tikrit, and it is widely believed that Tehran's troops are backing the Iraqi establishment.
A grand strategy that combines US-led airstrikes, Iranian militia for intelligence inputs and special forces raids, and the regular Iraqi army is enabling the government in Baghdad to stay afloat against Daesh. Previously, Iraqi forces were finding it hard to hold on to territory, forget launching an offensive against the terrorists. They lacked ''the will to fight'' as the Americans put it.
Despite recent victories, Baghdad still does not have a coherent strategy to defend its people and Iraq's borders. The government of Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi should build a national army that shuns sectarianism. The Ramadi victory is a chance to begin all over again for the military. They should learn to fight for the country, not for a community, if they are to keep Iraq united.


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