Despite Competing Interests, the United States Will Need Iran to Fight the Islamic State

The U.S.-led multinational military campaign against the Islamic State in Syria is shaking up an already deeply complicated region. Washington's need for local partners in the war-torn Levantine country has necessitated an alignment with the region's Arab monarchies. However, the United States will not pursue a zero-sum game against Iranian interests, especially since its main regional ally — Turkey — is wary of the repercussions of the war against the transnational jihadist movement on its southern flank.