The Islamic State is murderously hostile to all its neighbors: Turkey, Syria, Baghdad, KRG, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iran. As the newly proclaimed caliphate, it regards their regimes as illegitimate. Many have an interest in its demise, but do any have both the capacity and the will to eject the Islamists? The Kurdish representatives suspect they don't on both counts. Iraq's Sunni neighbors have funds, but lack the forces. Among regional powers, this leaves Iran. The Iranians will want to see Baghdad defend its remaining territory, but they have other interests as well. Driving the Islamic State out means its fighters and arms flow back into Syria before Iran's proxy in Damascus is ready for more troubles.
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