NEW: U.S. orders departure of all U.S. government personnel from Consulate in Basra, Iraq, citing an increased threat from Iranian-backed militias. https://abcn.ws/2DFA89X
CNN notes:
CNN also reported on Thursday that a US intelligence assessment conducted in recent days has concluded that Iranian-backed militias and proxy forces could be planning a strike against US military forces or interests in the Middle East, according to three defense officials.
Officials would not describe the specific intelligence, but in addition to monitoring public statements from Iran, the US intelligence community is capable of using overhead satellites and communication intercepts.
Using proxies could make it difficult for US intelligence to readily identify targets to strike.
But Pompeo, in a recent CNN interview, made it clear Iran's use of militias and proxies throughout the Middle East could provoke a US military response if US interests come under attack. "They're going to be held accountable. If they're responsible for the arming and training of these militias, we're going to go to the source."
Yes, the Iraq War never ends. Never. The US government did its part to ensure that Iraq is a failed state -- propping up thugs in leadership. At THE NATIONAL INTEREST, Bonnie Kristian writes:
The turmoil in Basra may be unsurprising given the living conditions locals face, but it should also be instructive. This is what regime change, fifteen years of intervention, occupation, and reconstruction in Iraq has wrought. This is what trillions of dollars borrowed and spent—and tens of thousands of American and Iraqi lives extinguished—have purchased.
The protests in Basra are just one moment of ongoing political turmoil in Iraq, with all the security risks and human suffering that entails. They are an indictment in microcosm of Washington’s failed reliance on military intervention and nation-building as a panacea to local political problems in distant lands that don’t threaten America’s security, prosperity, or way of life.
In Basra and Iraq more generally, Americans are presented with years of evidence that U.S. military intervention has failed to achieve strategically important, sustainable outcomes despite Washington’s best efforts. “Some might argue that trying harder, investing more billions, sending yet more equipment for perhaps another 15 years will produce more favorable results,” says military historian Ret. Col. Andrew Bacevich, but this is “a mug’s game.” There is nothing available to America in Iraq that might fairly be called a military victory, and repeating the mistakes of the past will not end differently the umpteenth time around.
A popular topic today on Arabic media? Nearly 39 years ago -- November 4, 1979. That's when the US Embassy in Tehran was seized. Will today be remembered correctly? Probably not. Jane Arraf has a nonsense report for NPR that claims political leaders ignored the Basra protests until this month. Lie. Political leaders were the ones who shut down the internet in July to try to keep the world from seein the protetsts. And you don't get much bigger political leader than prime minister Hayder al-Abadi. Hayder also gave out empty promies -- including jobs -- back in July but let's all gather around the radio to hear NPR waste tax payer money to broadcast lies via Jane Arraf.
In the meantime, another assassination in Basra.
Watch the medical assistant (Haydar Shakir) was assassinated in Basra tonight in front of his workplce(hospital), he was walking with his dinner and a water bottle. Assassination are on an extreme rise in Iraq in the past few weeks The following community sites -- plus Jody Watley, the ACLU and NPR -- updated:
Parker Posey's YOU'RE ON AN AIRPLANE
5 hours ago
Marty Balin
1 day ago
Boom!
1 day ago
