In September, 350 additional military personnel were deployed to protect diplomatic facilities and personnel and in November, 1,500 additional U.S. military personnel in a non-combat role to train, advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces were deployed. The Obama administration officials have attempted to emphasize with each new announcement is that the latest introduction of troops or tasks is logical, necessary and will have an impact on achieving the strategic objective of the grading and destroying …show more content…
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the United States is “on the same page with the Iraqi government” (Ash Carter, April 16, 2016) regarding its strategy against terror groups. A segment of the recent deployments are special operations with a deeper role in the fight against ISIS. The operations are aimed at escalating pressure on ISIS after the Iraqi army won its first major victory over the insurgents last December in Ramadi. The authorities have said they want to retake Mosul this year.
For the remainder of calendar year 2016, it’s safe to assume that the United States will continue to support the government of Iraq and will exceed its commitment outlined in the 2008 Strategic-Framework Agreement. However, in 2017, a new administration will be in power in the United States. The level of support for Iraq will be in the hands of a new administration. It’s likely that at a minimum the Strategic-Framework Agreement will be supported and there is the possibility that U.S. support could significantly exceed the