Iraq Praises Iran's Help In The War Against The Islamic State

Iraq's Defence Minister Khaled al-Obeidi (R) speaks during a news conference with U.S. Army General Martin Dempsey in Baghdad March 9, 2015. Dempsey, the top U.S. military officer, said on Monday that Islamic State would be defeated, as he visited Baghdad during an offensive against the radical insurgents which has seen Washington's military role overshadowed by Iran. Ahmed Saad/Reuters

Newsweek: Iraq Praises Iran's Help in Fight Against ISIS

Iraq’s minister of defense on Monday praised Iran’s contributions in the battle against the Islamic State (ISIS), according to the Associated Press. Iran’s role has been “very positive,” Minister Khalid al-Obeidi said at a news conference in Baghdad.

Although Iran and the United States have been at odds, al-Obeidi said the dueling nations’ influence in Iraq’s fight against ISIS has been “balanced.”

“The situation is acceptable to us,” al-Obeidi told reporters. “We are in a state of war.” His comments were translated by an interpreter, the AP noted.

WNU Editor: These comments were said with U.S. General Martin Dempsey by his side .... and the Iraqi Defense Minister did not exactly praise the U.S. contribution .... I may be seeing this wrong, but this looks like a dig against the U.S..