• Why Jihad Watch?
  • About Robert Spencer and Staff Writers
  • FAQ
  • Books
  • Muhammad
  • Islam 101
  • Privacy

Jihad Watch

Exposing the role that Islamic jihad theology and ideology play in the modern global conflicts

U.S. arming and training Iran-tied forces in Iraq

Dec 16, 2016 7:09 pm By Robert Spencer

One Obama administration official said: “We’re going to go through and vet all the leaders.”

Nonsense. They can’t vet anything. They don’t know what to vet them for. They ignore and deny the jihad threat. They ignore and deny Iran’s manifest bellicosity and hostility. How are they going to turn around and vet people and see whether or not they hold to principles that they don’t even acknowledge exist?

“The U.S. is helping train Iraqi militias historically tied to Iran,” by Molly Hennessy-Fiske and W.J. Hennigan, Los Angeles Times, December 14, 2016:

In a significant break with past policy, U.S.-led forces in Iraq have started arming and training hundreds of fighters belonging to Shiite militias historically known for having ties to Iran.

The sectarian militias are being trained for the operation to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul. While Mosul’s future remains uncertain, the cooperative effort is expected to strengthen the Shiite forces both militarily and politically.

The U.S.-led coalition has provided hundreds of guns and training to the fighters in recent weeks, indicating a new level of cooperation, although U.S. military officials quickly moved to downplay it, saying the fighters being trained have no ties to the Iranian-backed groups that targeted Americans in the past.

In response to The Times’ reporting, Col. John Dorrian, the U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad, insisted that “U.S. policy on this matter has not changed.”

“We only train forces we can vet,” Dorrian said. “You assess to make sure they don’t have association with terrorist groups, or groups associated with the government of Iran. They must be with groups that promote respect for human rights and rule of law.”

Dorrian acknowledged that some militias are still classified as terrorists by the U.S., but insisted those being trained had no ties to groups that have “American blood on their hands.”

But U.S. officials acknowledged the difficulty in fully vetting all members of the militias. And the senior leadership of the Shiite forces includes individuals who have been deemed terrorists by the United States.

After successfully fighting Islamic State elsewhere in Iraq, the militias received the government’s blessing to take part in offensives, including the one to reclaim Mosul, which was launched Oct. 17.

Experts estimated there are at least 40 of the militias with a combined 80,000 to 100,000 active members.

Mosul is Iraq’s second-largest city, with a diverse populace of more than a million people, and has been the biggest prize captured by Islamic State in its drive to create a “caliphate” in Iraq and Syria.

Its population is mostly Sunni Muslim, the sect that Islamic State claims to represent, and some human rights groups feared that allowing Shiite fighters to join the offensive would spark sectarian conflict.

But the Shiite militias — which have brought some Sunnis and other sects into their ranks — have promised to follow orders from Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi. Last month, the Iraqi parliament passed a law that made the militias a legal military corps. Their leaders resent being called militias, noting they have government backing.

Coalition forces are screening Shiite militia commanders using U.S. and allies’ law enforcement and intelligence databases to weed out those with ties to terrorist groups or to Shiite militias backed by Iran, according to U.S. officials who were not authorized to speak publicly about the training.

“We’re going to go through and vet all the leaders,” one official said….

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Follow me on Facebook

Filed Under: Iran, Iraq, United States Tagged With: John Dorrian


Learn more about RevenueStripe...

Comments

  1. linnte says

    Dec 16, 2016 at 7:14 pm

    I can’t even read this! Is our Government so freeking STUPID? I guess the answer is yes.

    • Mac-101 says

      Dec 17, 2016 at 12:11 am

      I wish it was just stupidity. Instead THEY have some underlain plan, and it ain’t good!

    • TR says

      Dec 17, 2016 at 9:47 am

      I agree with Mac, Portraying stupidity keeps the Obama Administration off the gallows. There is no way to Vet these people. The Administration needs the Jihadist for their muscle here in the USA too. I’m like a broken record, but, the Communists within the Administration have been in a pledge of Solidarity with Radical Islamist Terrorist for 50 years that I myself know of.

      • Mac-101 says

        Dec 17, 2016 at 11:41 am

        Remember, thanks to Assange we have Clinton on an email saying there is NO way to vet these people while telling the people they are ALL highly vetted!
        .
        Your right about using them as Muscle. They put the Mob to shame with their total lack of humanity!

    • A Harris USA says

      Dec 17, 2016 at 11:59 am

      linnet, no Obama is that stupid!! Again, he is doing what ever he can to harm our nation before the door hits him the ass!! GOD. Please, somehow make it Jan. 20th!! This guy is set on hurting our nation on each day, there is something he does to hurt us.. This endangers our troops, and it is treason in my book!! Just like Obama, Muslims first, and the American troops, and people, LAST!!

  2. Don McKellar says

    Dec 16, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    I really hope that Trump makes public all the levels of leftist insanity tinged with Islamic corruption in Obama’s regime. Stories like this are so bonkers that you can’t even believe it. There are certainly many, many more that we have no idea about.

    • TR says

      Dec 17, 2016 at 9:54 am

      @ Don McKellar, Obama is going full steam, ahead on importing hundreds of thousands of Radical Hostile Islamists into the USA before Jan 20, 2017. A steady stream below the radar has never stopped flooding our Republic. I believe Trump is aware of this.

  3. somehistory says

    Dec 16, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    The photo of the evil one from iran, reminds me of the snake in the animated version of “Robin Hood” from a couple of decades ago. Making the same sneaky look, dark-hearted, hissing and scheming and when he seemed to be trapped, wiggling and whining to get away.
    In this photo, he seems to be laughing with wicked, evil glee that things are going his snakey, sneaky way.
    There is no way to *vet* a moslim to ensure that he is not hiding a snake. Look in the eyes. See the soul that satan has claimed and know he/she cannot be trusted.

    Revelation 13

    • EYESOPEN says

      Dec 16, 2016 at 10:09 pm

      You took the words right out of my mouth “somehisory”. I looked at the photo and all I could see broadcast is evil.

  4. gravenimage says

    Dec 16, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    U.S. arming and training Iran-tied forces in Iraq
    …………………………….

    What could possibly go wrong? sarc/off

  5. David, Thailand says

    Dec 16, 2016 at 10:00 pm

    Obama is without doubt the greatest President ever. In the midst of chaos caused largely by the friendly Islamists he armed and trained and funded, he’s managed to find some more friendly Islamists.

    • TR says

      Dec 17, 2016 at 10:01 am

      @David Thailand, Obama is arming Vietnam now. Soros still wants Thailand and has been responsible for their collapse of the rice market just as he was responsible in the USA cattle market crash. Supporting his Red Shirted followers for a 5th column.along with the Islamic population.

      • Mac-101 says

        Dec 17, 2016 at 2:38 pm

        Soros and his NGO Heads should be indicted for Domestic and International Terrorism, assets seized and extradited to Russia. Da Ruskies KNOW what to do with them!

  6. mortimer says

    Dec 17, 2016 at 12:50 am

    Robert Spencer wrote: “They can’t vet anything.”

    This is accurate. Without a THOROUGH-GOING understanding of the JIHAD DOCTRINE, no American security operative can vet a kindergarten teacher, Islamic clergyman or any other secret jihadists. The Lebanese (who are Muslims or Christians living their entire life among Muslims) say they cannot tell between an ‘ordinary’ Muslim and a jihadist. The jihadists mostly are from well-mannered, middle-class homes! Because they have genteel manners, no one knows that they are GENOCIDAL KILLERS under their masks.

  7. mortimer says

    Dec 17, 2016 at 1:22 am

    The great danger is that Shi’ite militias may ONCE AGAIN turn into DEATH SQUADS targeting Sunni leaders and their families. Shi’ite militias should have American, British or other Western officers attached to them and who will assure they live up to the high standards demanded by the rules of engagement.

    • Mac-101 says

      Dec 17, 2016 at 2:41 pm

      I believe Laurence of Arabia had little luck also insuring Arabs/Muslims conduct themselves according to Western Ideas of decency in warfare. They do what they do!

    • gravenimage says

      Dec 17, 2016 at 2:57 pm

      I think Mac is right in this case, Mortimer. These barbarians are not going to hold to civilized standards of engagement. Allied leaders could not even prevent Muslim troops from going on an orgy or raping Italian women during WWII.

      • Mac-101 says

        Dec 17, 2016 at 3:14 pm

        It might be intersecting to see what some historical comments say about Muslim British units behavor in Africa and especially India in the 1800s..

  8. Angemon says

    Dec 17, 2016 at 6:01 am

    That feeling when a “my enemy’s enemy is my friend” policy ends up with you training your enemies…

    • Mac-101 says

      Dec 17, 2016 at 2:42 pm

      Well written, I’m goin to still dat!

    • gravenimage says

      Dec 17, 2016 at 3:00 pm

      Very true, Angemon.

      And our “policy” is so schizophrenic at this point in Iraq and Syria that we have wound up training both Sunni and Shia factions who immediately turn their training to waging Jihad in the region.

  9. underbed cat says

    Dec 17, 2016 at 9:58 am

    Under the CVE vetting, the radical Christians are the enemy, the jihadist is an aberration who does not exist, until caught, then declared mentally ill, or a victim of racism, with pleas of understanding not to jump to any conclusions that the doctrine in the books they read, is anything but misinterpeted calls to “slay the infidel”. And he got away with it smiling and dignified

    • Ric says

      Dec 17, 2016 at 1:49 pm

      Underbed cat, unfortunately, you are absolutely right. Hopefully, eyes will be opened when Trump takes over the reins of leadership. I fear it will change for the better, however, by what measure I am uncertain. It is time for the new leadership to revise the utter fallacies that the great Islamist apologist, and True-Believer, Obama, has propagated to those readily duped by his disinformation (best said, out and out lies) regarding Islam and the so-called vetting of te aforementioned.

      One ploy, as you mentioned, that is radical Christians that are the true enemy. Radical Islam a mere aberration – it is, in perverse illogical or intentional bent, best to appease Iran than to take it t task or play hardball. The twisted mandate is not twisted but a ruse, its intent to undermine Western-Democracy, and especially this Democratic Republic. Obama and his numerous sycophants will not cease attempting to rewire the minds of the gullible… they, after all, already have numerous minions and handlers at the ready. I only hope Trump is ready to take on this myriad of fallacies disseminated during our lil’ emperor’s two terms. I, also, trust he will continue to secure this nation’s constitution which was deemed redundant, if not superfluous the past eight years. I didn’t mean to prattle on and on, sorry.

      • gravenimage says

        Dec 17, 2016 at 3:04 pm

        The length of your post is fine, Ric.

        I’m like you–I think things will over all change for the better come January, but I am leery of assuming that we will have no more problems with cluelessness and appeasement. I’m sure things will be far from perfect, but any improvement will help.

  10. ibrahim itace muhammed says

    Dec 17, 2016 at 3:23 pm

    mr spencer,it means your mad dog donald trump is not serious in his promise to wipe out isis, because you doesnt want mossad agent albaghdadi to be harmed so as to continue with his efficient service to his sponsor the evil zionist state of israhell?now the cloud is cleared and we understand the logic.who is being deceived?you can only deceive stupid americans who remain submissive slaves of evil evil jews.then jewish lobby groups need not even talk to american establishment to save their brother and hardworking agent al-baghadi when trump assumes office.but before the mad dog assumes office ,isis must have been wiped out by determined forces with iran’s effective technical assistance; and baghdai smoked out,get him runing , track him down before he fled to evil israhell.then the whole secret gets exposed as we have been saying.

FacebookYoutubeTwitterLog in

Subscribe to the Jihad Watch Daily Digest

You will receive a daily mailing containing links to the stories posted at Jihad Watch in the last 24 hours.
Enter your email address to subscribe.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!
If you are forwarding to a friend, please remove the unsubscribe buttons first, as they my accidentally click it.

Subscribe to all Jihad Watch posts

You will receive immediate notification.
Enter your email address to subscribe.
Note: This may be up to 15 emails a day.

Donate to JihadWatch
FrontPage Mag

Search Site

Translate

The Team

Robert Spencer in FrontPageMag
Robert Spencer in PJ Media

Articles at Jihad Watch by
Robert Spencer
Hugh Fitzgerald
Christine Douglass-Williams
Andrew Harrod
Jamie Glazov
Daniel Greenfield

Contact Us

Terror Attacks Since 9/11

Archives

  • 2020
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2019
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2018
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2017
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2016
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2015
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2014
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2013
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2012
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2011
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2010
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2009
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2008
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2007
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2006
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2005
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2004
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2003
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • March

All Categories

You Might Like

Learn more about RevenueStripe...

Recent Comments

  • gravenimage on Erdogan: ‘Turks must defend the rights of Jerusalem, even with their lives’ for ‘the honor of the Islamic nation’
  • Walter Sieruk on Iranian Kurdistan: Muslim brothers behead their sister in honor killing over her romantic relationship
  • gravenimage on Uighur leader: ‘We’re actually quite worried’ about what Biden might let China get away with
  • James Lincoln on Iranian Kurdistan: Muslim brothers behead their sister in honor killing over her romantic relationship
  • revereridesagain on Audio: Robert Spencer on Muslim Brotherhood influence in a Biden/Harris administration

Popular Categories

dhimmitude Sharia Jihad in the U.S ISIS / Islamic State / ISIL Iran Free Speech

Robert Spencer FaceBook Page

Robert Spencer Twitter

Robert Spencer twitter

Robert Spencer YouTube Channel

Books by Robert Spencer

Jihad Watch® is a registered trademark of Robert Spencer in the United States and/or other countries - Site Developed and Managed by Free Speech Defense

Content copyright Jihad Watch, Jihad Watch claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to their respective owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and you do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

Our mailing address is: David Horowitz Freedom Center, P.O. Box 55089, Sherman Oaks, CA 91499-1964

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.