Washington wants to prove its ability to degrade Iran's most potent deterrent against attack.
Iraq's Kurds and Shiites share an interest in stopping the spread of Sunni Arab militancy.
Washington is examining alternatives to a large ground operation in Syria.
This map shows the approximate locations of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups and Amphibious Ready Groups.
Future cooperation between the two countries will focus heavily on bilateral economic possibilities.
The two sides must be convinced to enter talks.
The country's political transition is slowed by the demands of the various groups.
The region is endangered by its proximity to drug routes and to turf wars.
