Slow & Steady.

This is coolbert:

Steady as she goes Captain!

Yet more positive news from Iraq. NOT so decisive but at least a trend headed in the right direction.

1. "Kurds Retake Strategic Mountain From IS"

"(BBC) -- Kurdish forces in northern Iraq have recaptured a strategically important mountain from Islamic State (IS) militants, helped by US air strikes."

"Mount Zartak overlooks a plain that stretches to Mosul, the city seized by IS in June."

. . . .

"Mount Zartak was retaken in a short, sharp battle that left more than 30 IS fighters dead".


2. "US launches new airstrikes against ISIS in western Iraq [To keep Haditha Dam] "

"The U.S. has launched fresh airstrikes against the Islamic State militant group, also known as ISIS, in an effort to keep the Haditha Dam in western Iraq in the hands of that country's army."

"Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby confirmed the airstrikes in a statement issued early Sunday, saying that the strikes destroyed five Humvees, an armed vehicle, and a checkpoint. The strikes also damaged a militant bunker."

. . . .

"Last month Islamic State fighters were battling to capture the Haditha Dam, which has six power generators located alongside Iraq's second-largest reservoir. But, despite their attacks, Iraqi forces there backed up by local Sunni tribes have been able to hold them off."

The continued possession of Haditha dam most crucial to the forces of the central government in Baghdad. Great danger exists if this structure is captured by ISIL. A stoppage of water flow and electrical current necessary for civilized life or the CATASTROPHIC RELEASE OF WATER AS A WEAPON OF WAR, APOCALYPTIC AND BIBLICAL IN SCALE A POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCE.

3. "Iraqi Army, Kurds Advance Toward Mosul"

The Iraqi military and Kurdish forces have kicked off an all-out campaign to recapture militant-held towns in the region of al-Khazer in Nineveh plains.

The Iraqi national army and the Kurds are said to be making progress against ISIL.

Slow but steady. In small increments.

BUT SO IT SEEMS ONLY AS LONG AS THEY HAVE GUARANTEED AMERICAN AIR POWER. ALL COMBAT ACTIONS PREDICATED ON THE APPEARANCE OF AMERICAN WARPLANES.

So why does not ISIL need air power? How come they do just fine with ad hoc amateur units but they don't need air power to make gains?

"Those furthest from the scene of the action usually possess the loudest voices!"

Is this the case? I ask the devoted readers to the blog this VERY question?

coolbert.