US sees limited role for indigenous ground troops to fight ISIL

Washington Post:

U.S. to train Syrians only in defensive role

Officials do not believe the units will be able to seize towns from the Islamic State without the help of U.S. combat troops, which President Obama has ruled out.

Even In Iraq the role of the Iraqi army is going to be slow and methodical.   The Independent reports:

The United States and Iraq are drawing up a campaign plan for offensive operations by Iraqi ground forces to gradually reclaim towns and cities that have been occupied by Isis, according to a senior US official.

The plan, described as methodical and time-consuming, will not begin in earnest for several months and is designed to ensure that Iraqi forces do not over-extend themselves before they are capable of taking and holding territory controlled by the militants.

It may also include American advisers in the field with the Iraqis, should that be recommended by American military commanders, said the official, who updated reporters on administration strategy on the condition of anonymity. The advisers, the official said, would not participate in combat. President Barack Obama has said repeatedly that no US ground forces would be deployed to Iraq.

With few exceptions, the Iraqi army has concentrated largely on defence and efforts to prevent Isis from claiming more territory since early June when the militant group took over Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, and began moving south.
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The Kurds have been the most effective force fighting ISIL but these plans don't seem to take advantage of their efforts.  I think that is a mistake.  It shows an over sensitivity to the feels of the incompetent.  It also is too concerned with worry about a Kurdish state growing out of this conflict.  I think the region would be better off with such a state rather than worry about lines drawn on a map nearly a 100 years ago.