After a delayed response that enabled the Islamic State (IS) to rampage through much of the country, President Barack Obama’s administration has overcome its deep reluctance to get sucked back into the Middle East vortex. More than 4,000 US troops have now been deployed ever closer to the action, while US jets, drones and now Apache attack helicopters offer vital aerial support.
The beefed-up military presence and the US role in leading an international coalition is paying off as IS is on the back-foot across the country. After a slew of recent victories in Anbar province, US advisers are now helping Iraqis plan the recapture of Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, possibly by the end of 2016.