The Pentagon’s quarterly report to Congress on the situation in Iraq, released just last week, takes full note of the “escalating violence,” much of it striking Iraqis rather than coalition forces. It also describes the cumulative effect of attacks on Iraqi infrastructure and the poor attempt at repair, noting how this increasing inability to deliver essential services has “undermined the legitimacy of the government among the Iraqi people.” More US dollars are on the way.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.