Islamic State Targets Town as Iraq Army Musters for Defense of Baghdad -- Wall Street Journal
Weakness of Iraq’s U.S.-Trained Military Raises Concerns as Islamic State Threatens Baghdad
Just 15 minutes into a recent battle with Islamic State in the town of Dhuluiya, Ibrahim Thiab watched a group of Iraqi soldiers break ranks and flee in terror.
Mr. Thiab, a former general under Saddam Hussein, commands a unit of tribal fighters also defending Dhuluiya, located 45 miles northeast of Baghdad. Instead of criticism, though, the combat veteran offered sympathy.
“They had no experience fighting, and they were yelling and panicking,” said Mr. Thiab, who sought out the frightened troops and promised them help from his civilian forces. The former general was more pointed about Iraq’s battlefield performance against Islamic State invaders: “Ridiculous,” he said.
The weakness of Iraq’s U.S.-trained military is a growing international worry as Islamic State fighters threaten Baghdad, with attacks as close as 12 miles west of the capital.
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Update: Islamic State Militants Encroach on Baghdad -- VOA
My Comment: I do not know what to say .... this is just one massive mess.
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