Preemptive Love

What’s happening now with ISIS and Iraq?

PLC staff joined IHAO on a delivery to the western part of Mosul. Day by day neighborhoods were being freed from ISIS control, and sights and sounds of fighting were all around. Many people were desperate to receive food after more than two years being cut off from aid. Here, an ISIS sign is seen at the southern entrance to the city. A rough translation reads, "The Islamic State Caliphate Established on Prophesy."

More and more headlines are coming out of Iraq as ISIS continues to challenge the Iraqi and Kurdish armies. Here are some articles we’ve referenced to summarize the different perspectives on what’s going on this week—and what might happen next.

What’s going on with ISIS?

ASSOCIATED PRESS

ISIS militants gather near another town north of Baghdad

ISIS moves 70 miles north of Baghdad to expand their front against Kurdish fighters.

REUTERS

Yemeni Al-Qaeda leader hails ISIS gains in Iraq

Al-Qaeda leader in Yemen congratulates ISIS on its victories in Iraq.

How is the world responding?

GIADA ZAMPANO

Pope Francis Urges Action to End Iraq Tragedy

In letter to UN, Pope calls for immediate action against ISIS.

(Photo Credit: The Guardian)

AL JAZEERA

Maliki gives up Iraq PM job to rival

Iraqi prime minister steps down to maintain Iraq’s “unity.”

BBC NEWS

Iraq: UN sounds alarm on humanitarian crisis

UN declares Iraq’s humanitarian crisis a level three emergency—France, UK, and US respond with assistance.

Any news on the Yazidis on Sinjar Mountain?

SCOTT NEUMAN

Obama: U.S. To End Aid Drops In Iraq, But Airstrikes To Continue

Obama declares mountaintop siege on Yazidis over.

LIZ SLY, CRAIG WHITLOCK

Most Yazidis have been rescued from a besieged mountain in northern Iraq

Despite this headline, Kurdish officials say most vulnerable Yazidis remain and desperately need aid.

Anything else we should know?

FAYSAL ITANI

We Must Treat ISIS Like a State to Defeat It

The responsibilities of statehood will make ISIS more vulnerable.

BOBBY GHOSH

ISIS: A Short History

An overview of how ISIS came to exist.

What stories have you been reading about Iraq? Share a link in the comments section below!