ISIS Seizes Two Border Crossings

Forces for the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIS) have captured two border crossings, one with Syria and one with Jordan, according to Iraqi officials. Insurgents have also seized their fourth town in two days, as they launch a crushing assault of the Anbar province. The towns ISIS has seized have broad, strategic implications. Rutba gives militants control over a key stretch of highway to Jordan, and Rawah has an essential dam that would give ISIS the potential to flood the country and destroy the electrical grid. Chief military spokesman Lt. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi said the government had made a tactical retreat but planned to retake the towns. Such an offensive looks increasingly unlikely, though, as Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki struggles to secure his country against ISIS forces.