The Wall Street Journal reports that Israel established a secret military base in the Iraqi desert prior to the Iran war to provide air cover for operations. The base, located in Anbar province, hosted special forces and was discovered by a shepherd. Following the downing of a US fighter jet, Israel offered assistance, but the US declined. The incident raised tensions, with Iraq questioning the US's role and the nature of the operation. The region is strategically significant due to its resources and sparse population, complicating Iraq's relations with the US and Iran.