Discussing Strategy With One Of The Wisest Men I Know...His Thoughts On Mosul

So, I was discussing Mosul with a very wise man. He said, "Are the twenty five thousand combat troops? How many are support? How many are really in for a long, bloody fight? They did so little to defend their own nation (the Iraqi Provisionals) now they are going to head north and fight an enemy that knows they are coming? This is a fool's errand, at best."

He went on to say:

"The Russians will have no choice but to engage at some point."

When I brought up the notion that Russia could be behind ISIS. He laughed, "The CIA, Mossad, Spetsnaz. Doesn't matter they are on their own now with tacit approval from some world leaders and a large segment of the Islamic faith. It really doesn't matter who started it, the fire is lit and the flames are growing."

He moved a bishop into position at that point and trapped my king. He smiled. Checkmate. A wise man, indeed.

Feel free to add to the discusion.