CLEAN : US caught flat footed by jihadist offensive in Iraq (analyst)

The transcript discusses the situation in Mosul, the disintegration of the Iraqi army, and potential conflicts with Kurdish and Iranian forces. It highlights intelligence failures and questions the effectiveness of military training in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US policy on Iraq is examined, emphasizing air support over troop reinsertion. The blame for the situation is debated, focusing on Prime Minister Maliki and the rise of ISIS, with reflections on past US interventions.

What challenges does the Iraqi army face in maintaining its strength?

What are the implications of the training claims regarding the Iraqi and Afghan armies?

How did the United States' withdrawal from Iraq impact the situation on the ground?

What role does the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria play in the current conflict?

In what ways could the situation in Iraq have been different if Saddam Hussein had not been unseated?