According to the most recent National Intelligence Estimate, Iraq’s chances for stability will continue to deteriorate without substantial efforts and progress in the next 12 to 18 months to reverse polarization, persistent weakness of security forces, insurgent violence, and political extremism. The NIE maintains that multiple factors are responsible for the current situation, and the term “civil war” ‘does not adequately capture the complexity of the conflict, ranging from sect on sect attacks to attacks on coalition forces and criminal activity. The report predicts a significant increase in violence if coalition forces withdraw too quickly.
A legislative standoff has led to a lapse in a $4.26 billion small business innovation contracting program widely used by the Air Force and could spell the end of it entirely, industry sources warned Air & Space Forces Magazine.
