As pointed out here, US soldiers – previously described as "advisors" whose task is to "support" the Iraqis – are inching closer to the front lines. The loss of Staff Sergeant Louis F. Cardin, who came under attack from ISIS forces last month, brought home the fact that the Americans have been dragged back into the quagmire they thought they had escaped.

Particularly telling were the circumstances of Cardin's death: he came under fire at Fire Base Bell, an exclusively US military facility. It is the first such base established since the phony "withdrawal" announced with such fanfare by President Barack Obama – and surely will not be the last. As the Guardian reports:

"[US military spokesman Colonel Steven] Warren did not rule out the marines playing more of a direct combat role as the assault on Mosul beckons. Nor did he rule out the establishment of other US bases in Iraq, and said the command would make a 'case-by-case' determination about informing the US public of their construction beforehand."