There is a clear parallel between the perception in Iraq, pushed by Iran and its Shia' allies, that the U.S. is secretly aiding ISIS, and the claim that pops up periodically in the U.S. that Iran is somehow on the same side of ISIS. The shopkeeper Hassan Abdul-Wahab, quoted at the end of the WaPo piece seems particularly apt to explain both phenomena:
"It is true that most people believe that,” he said. “But it’s not based on reason. It’s based on racism — because Iraqis don’t like Americans in the first place.”(via Memeorandum)
