CIA’s new estimate: Islamic State has between 20,000 and 31,500 fighters in Iraq, Syria

[unhappycamper]

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/09/11/cias-new-estimate-islamic-state-has-between-20000-and-31500-fighters-in-iraq-syria/



CIA’s new estimate: Islamic State has between 20,000 and 31,500 fighters in Iraq, Syria
By Agence France-Presse
Thursday, September 11, 2014 21:02 EDT

Washington (AFP) – Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria now have about 20,000 to 31,500 fighters on the ground, the Central Intelligence Agency said Thursday, much higher than a previous estimate of 10,000.

“CIA assesses the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (IS) can muster between 20,000 and 31,500 fighters across Iraq and Syria, based on a new review of all-source intelligence reports from May to August,” CIA spokesman Ryan Trapani said in a statement.

“This new total reflects an increase in members because of stronger recruitment since June following battlefield successes and the declaration of a caliphate, greater battlefield activity, and additional intelligence,” he said.

It comes a day after President Barack Obama vowed to expand an offensive against IS extremists, a plan which foresees new air strikes against IS in Syria, expanded attacks in Iraq and new support for Iraqi government forces.

[deutsey]

1. I know that ISIL poses a threat to the stability of the region

but I can't help but view this report with some skepticism after all the lies and distortions that preceded both invasions of Iraq.

[unhappycamper]

2. The thing you need to remember about the CIA is

the CIA has called/done exactly one thing thing correctly from 1947 to 2005.

One thing.

[deutsey]

3. Sorry, their credibility is damaged

from decades of mischief (to put it very mildly).

If they're right here, it will pan out soon enough. Until then, I'll view this with a huge, healthy dose of skepticism (which is different from calling them liars, btw).