Russia Offers Iraq Military Assistance vs ISIS

[Navarro]

"Russia has expressed readiness to provide the Iraqi government with assistance in the country’s fight against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group ... saying that Moscow would help Iraq’s anti-terror fight only 'with Baghdad’s consent' ... 'I do not rule out that, if the Iraqi authorities show interest, we will be able to provide additional support to them'"
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2017/01/30/508449/Russia-Lavrov-Iraq-Daesh-Takfiris-Syria

 

[Obreid]

"Russia has expressed readiness to provide the Iraqi government with assistance in the country’s fight against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group ... saying that Moscow would help Iraq’s anti-terror fight only 'with Baghdad’s consent' ... 'I do not rule out that, if the Iraqi authorities show interest, we will be able to provide additional support to them'"
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2017/01/30/508449/Russia-Lavrov-Iraq-Daesh-Takfiris-Syria

I wonder if this offer came up during the phone call Saturday. I would not be supprised if it had and was agreed upon. It is outside the box.

 

[Navarro]

I wonder if this offer came up during the phone call Saturday. I would not be supprised if it had and was agreed upon. It is outside the box.

I believe Russia extended a similar offer previously, or hinted at it. Don't recall the details, but within a year's time.

 

[railguy]

"Russia has expressed readiness to provide the Iraqi government with assistance in the country’s fight against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group ... saying that Moscow would help Iraq’s anti-terror fight only 'with Baghdad’s consent' ... 'I do not rule out that, if the Iraqi authorities show interest, we will be able to provide additional support to them'"
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2017/01/30/508449/Russia-Lavrov-Iraq-Daesh-Takfiris-Syria

I wonder if this offer came up during the phone call Saturday. I would not be supprised if it had and was agreed upon. It is outside the box.

Seems like a logical move by Putin since Iraq is none too happy with Trump right now. They are discussing kicking all Americans, including military, out of Iraq in response to Trump's executive order relating to the travel ban. They are not saying it is possible they would do this, but probable. And they do need help in fighting ISIS and taking back control of Mosul. Smart move on Putin's part. Another Russian footprint in the Middle East would be very beneficial to Putin.

 

[Obreid]

I wonder if this offer came up during the phone call Saturday. I would not be supprised if it had and was agreed upon. It is outside the box.

I believe Russia extended a similar offer previously, or hinted at it. Don't recall the details, but within a year's time.

I doubt seriously the previous administration look favorably to that offer, I think I might have remembered reading that too but can't say for sure.

 

[Navarro]

Seems like a logical move by Putin since Iraq is none too happy with Trump right now. They are discussing kicking all Americans, including military, out of Iraq in response to Trump's executive order relating to the travel ban. They are not saying it is possible they would do this, but probable. And they do need help in fighting ISIS and taking back control of Mosul. Smart move on Putin's part. Another Russian footprint in the Middle East would be very beneficial to Putin.

Agreed. Air support would certainly fall within Russia's interests. Limited ground support may also be within Russia's interests, in the long-term, though that could be costly, both politically and financially. The benefit may outweigh the potential costs though, especially if Russia intends to fill a certain vacuum, or to influence an end to the sanctions against it, and given the recently developed potential for Iraq's realignment generally.