Australia Special Forces Await 'Delayed' Iraqi Visas Before Joining ISIS Fight
Australia's Special Forces still cannot enjoy the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. They are unable to do so since Iraq has not issued them valid visas.
In a Sydney Morning Herald report, about 200 commandos are still waiting in the Middle East. Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop had declined to answer questions of reporters regarding troop movement in Iraq for reasons of operational secrecy.
Reports said the Iraqi government's inefficiency was the reason for the delay in the deployment of troops. Australian officials have been allegedly told the visas will not be ready until after another a week or two. Ten days ago, Bishop had struck an agreement with Iraq regarding the legal requirements needed for troop deployment.
Australian troops have been waiting in the Al Minhad air base in the United Arab Emirates for about a month. A source from the government said Australia is only complying with the legal framework. Previous reports have indicated that Iraq's delay may be due to the government's reluctance to see foreign troops on the ground. Prime Minister Tony Abbott had earlier announced Australian troops will be positioned in the region. Following the news, Australia had become the first country to commit troops in the international effort.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari had reportedly said earlier in October that Baghdad was against the presence of foreign military bases and ground troops. He admitted that Iraq had asked for help but it was about air cover. He said Iraq was against deployment of foreign troops in its territory.
Meanwhile, military analysts believe coalition forces will not win the war against ISIS from aerial strikes alone. Iraqi forces with the aid of Kurdish Peshmerga troops will have to launch a massive effort to stop ISIS. They also think Iraqi forces are not effective by themselves and would need the help of international troops.
Kurdish Peshmerga forces are joining the fight against ISIS militants currently besieging the Syrian city of Kobani. Turkey has decided to open its borders to let reinforcements cross into the city. Reports said about 150 fighters were expected to join the fight.