Islamic State (Daish) and US policy
In March 2014, a Saudi official said 1,200 Saudi citizens have traveled to Syria to fight the Assad regime. US is world hegemon, and feels that it is my responsibility to maintain the international peace. US is also a stake holder in Middle East, and has allies in region which are dependent on US for their security.
Now Islamic State has control over land of two countries, Iraq and Syria. US has separate policy for both countries. In Iraq, US is supporting government against ISIS. And it is the first priority US to crush Islamic State. And US has launched an air strike to demolish their camps and training fields. US is supporting Iran to counter this threat. On this many Americans have issues that why US is relying on Iran to counter this threat, which will may create hurdles for US in future.
“The United States does nothing. Some fear that this could open a vacuum to Iranian influence. This creates a serious issue for the United States, Western Europe, and Israel: competition among IS and AQ. The Islamic State could fall just as quickly as it ascended, but it very well could maintain its powerful influence in the jihadi world.” The battle of Takrit arises many questions on US, that who is leading and fighting the Iraq war US or Iran? On a question of Senator John McCain, Defense Secretary Ash Carter says that “It does. It does,” Carter replied, adding, “We’re watching it very closely.” “Obama Administration’s approach, counterterrorism-focused plans seek to degrade and defeat the Islamic State.
This end is sought by employing U.S.-trained and supported local forces in Iraq and Syria, augmented by U.S. airstrikes and Special Operations Forces.” If we see in Syria, then US is standing against Asad’s regime and supporting local groups to fight against regime. it is fact that US is supporting anti-Asad groups, providing them money and arms. Defence Intelligence report said that this aid and help will cause formation of IS and Iraq will suffer due to IS. And this non-state actor insurgency will cause to down the power of Shia’s and especially Iran in region. In Syria Iran is supporting Asad’s government.
Iran has close relations with Syria and Asad, so Iran is standing with Asad against all other countries. Iran confronting IS in different ways like propaganda, by air strike, by ground fighters and economic loses. Iran is using Hezbollah in Syria at large scale against Islamic State and anti-regime groups. US was ready to launch a war on Syria last year but delay, and many American think tank says that war is more dangerous for US, and it will open a security challenge for world. And it is best option to settle issues with Asad through diplomatic ways and pressure. Within the western policy, mostly funding given by the Saudis, Qatar and Kuwait by organizations and individuals both.
The Turkish government is also controversial in this issue. This shows that this is a proxy and sectarian war against Shia’s and Iran. But it is fact till now we have not seen any big achievement by US against ISIS. It shows that US is not sincere with ISIS. US is busy in Afghan withdrawal and its domestic economic crises. Many competing strategic priorities: Afghanistan, Ukraine, Asia, U.S. domestic issues and budget. So US role in ISIS is confused, US is not clear in its actions. US has strong relation with Saudis and Israel, and at same time US has anti ISIS strategy. And ISIS is threat for Iran and Lebanon. And fighting at Lebanon border with Hizbullah, and Hizbullah is enemy of Israel, so the situation is very complex. And US is playing a double game with Middle East.
Keep it up good energetic work