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This report assesses the campaign against the Islamic State, focusing on the military and political lines of effort.

The Government of Iraq this week formalized its work with the U.S. Institute of Peace to advance reconciliation at all levels.

"Today’s American soldier is by common consent the world’s finest, even history’s finest, but the United States doesn’t win its wars."

We have met the enemy and the enemy is bureaucratic red tape.

"The White House moved to tamp down suggestions that ties with Saudi Arabia are fraying."

Dave Kilcullen’s latest, reviewed by the New York Times.

Above all else, this image is of determination. They will persevere and they will prevail.

“Riyadh has spent tens of billions on new US weaponry. But its intervention in neighbouring Yemen has not gone smoothly.”

“The (US) increase is the latest indication that preparations for Mosul are ramping up, and that US troops will play a significant supporting role in the coming campaign.”

“Russian President Putin's special envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, told the Interfax news agency recently that ‘the Taliban interest objectively coincides with ours.’”

Our foreign policy will favor “show-of-force” theatrics designed to reinforce the image of US engagement but with an eye towards exploiting opportunities for American businesses.

“The U.S.-led coalition has ramped up its air campaign on the Islamic State’s finances, launching 15 strikes against cash depots and more than 125 attacks on oil infrastructure.”

“The central but little-known role that U.S. Special Operations troops can play in helping foreign forces plan and execute deadly missions against militant targets.”

“The missions - known often by some variation of ‘train, advise and assist’ - have served as an extension of America’s larger wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

US Secretary of Defense Carter and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gazmin shaking hands on a Marine Corps V-22 Osprey over the South China Sea.

Continue on.

“Following the attack by IS on the Philippine army in Western Mindanao, Manila should make fighting IS its national security priority.”

"Nine tough years later, five big ideas seem to be crystallizing as the lessons we should be taking from developments over the past decade."

"The longer ISIS stays, the more it becomes fashionable to youngsters with no hope, to all these youngsters who have been oppressed by the government here, in Syria, in other countries."

“Over the years, Presidents have experimented with different NSC structures and organizations with varying degrees of success.”

A U.S. WoG approach? Who said?

"Gates finds a middle ground in the argument that has been swirling since Jeffrey Goldberg’s Atlantic magazine article examining Obama’s reluctance to use military force."

"Top brass from around the Corps are meeting in an executive off-site meeting near Washington, D.C., to discuss a plan that will use war games to shape the future force."

“Islamist extremism is growing in Mindanao, with serious security implications for the region and beyond.”