and jordan. anbar was the heart of the insurgency against u.s. forces during the iraq war. nearly 1,300 u.s. marines and soldiers were killed there. last month iraq's prime minister promised a sweeping new military offensive in anbar to rout out isis militants, but with the retreat of the iraqi army, there are few appealing options. now the iraqi government has mobilized its shiite militias, some supported by iran to try and reverse its losses. it is a controversial move. many fear the presence of shia paramilitary forces will reignite a religious war with sunni residents and tribes in anbar. >> pelley: and clarissa is joining us now. clarissa, quick question: the u.s. government has said in the past that it will not provide air support if these shia militias controlled by iran are in the fight. so where does this leave the u.s. now?