Iraq's Air Force Undergoes a Sixth Incarnation

After it was nearly destroyed in the 2003 U.S. invasion, Iraq is rebuilding its air force while it is combating Islamic State militants across large swaths of its territory. This is the latest instance in Iraq's perpetual struggle to achieve military effectiveness in the air. Throughout most of the country's history, Iraq's inability to build a well-equipped air force and acquire the necessary expertise to operate it effectively has limited its military capabilities. Even as Iraq rushes to build an air force sufficient to face the Islamic State and allied Sunni tribes, a professional and capable air force — and especially the means to maintain such a force at a professional level — is probably not attainable in the short term.