TSG Intel Brief: Mission Creep Amid Political Turmoil in Iraq by The Soufan Group
Bottom Line Up Front
• U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter visited Baghdad on April 18 as preparations increase for the battle of Mosul and its aftermath
• The Pentagon announced that it will send an additional 200 soldiers to Iraq, some of whom will be serving as advisors down to the battalion level
• The remainder of the 200 troops will operate and maintain Apache attack helicopters and the high-mobility artillery rocket system, in a sign that the U.S. is ramping up its direct combat support to the slowly advancing Iraqi forces
• The increased military presence coincides with increased political instability in Iraq—an ominous reminder that any military victory without lasting social and political reforms will lead to yet another long-term defeat.