Islamic State and Iraqi Security Forces

Fallujah: A member of Iraqi security forces takes his position with his weapon in Fallujah, Iraq, May 31, 2016, according to CBC. The group has suffered some pretty stunning losses, as Iraqi forces have recaptured formerly ISIS-held territory such as Ramadi and the town of Hit. But whether the Islamic State is on its last legs or is still capable of waging an indefinite campaign, attention is now being focussed on just what happens on the so-called "day after." Iraq stalls fight with ISIS over Fallujah 'to protect civilians'ISIS fighting near Fallujah creates 'dire situation' "The West should have no illusion that the Islamic State will simply slump into defeat," wrote Brian Michael Jenkins and Colin Clarke, both of the Rand Corporation, which specializes in insurgency and transnational terrorism. "Instead, it must focus on thwarting the group Plan B." That the group has formulated such a contingency plan is still a subject of speculation, and expert opinions differ on how close it is to actual defeat. "After maybe years of really stunning success, I think the Islamic State has run into trouble," said Austin Long, assistant professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University and a former adviser to the multinational force in Iraq. Now the Iraqi forces have their sights set on retaking Fallujah, the first major Iraqi city that fell to the group in 2014. Fighter strength in some locations is now estimated in the hundreds, when previously it was in the thousands. Recruitment for ISIS may not have dried up, but it certainly down, Long said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.