BACK FROM THE ASHES?
The so-called Islamic State remains in control of three strategic towns while other fighters have retreated to the mountains, and sleeper cells operate at the gates of Baghdad.
NSFW
Clicking on the Like button can get you fined thousands of dollars, but the penalties could be worse in a land where deadly blood feuds are still a fact of life.
A LOAD OF BOLLARDS
ISIS is boasting that, like the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century, its fighters will be able to withstand any attacks. Locals doubt it.
IRAQ
Many Iraqis once saw the niqab as a symbol of female piety. But the presence of ISIS—and its insistence that women cover up—has sparked a backlash against the full-face veil.
POKED
A group of dedicated journalists is fighting to set the record straight about lies on social media that feed the flames of sectarian hatred.
NOT SURROUNDED YET
The Sinjar victory shut down the supply route between Mosul and Raqqa—but local truckers and ISIS have found another way in. If that road closes too, Mosul will be fully isolated.
READIN’ WRITIN’ AND ATROCITY
The so-called Islamic State continues to pretend it has the trappings of a real government. In addition to bogus ‘gold’ coins, it now offers a ridiculous syllabus.
READ IT AND WEEP
Thousands of people have gone missing in Mosul, Iraq since the Islamic State took over. Now their families are learning if they are in fact dead.
FRENEMY?
The leader of an Iran-backed faction that attacked U.S. soldiers in Iraq is now cast as a hero in the anti-ISIS war. In this interview, there’s a lot of blood between the lines.