The Iraqi army, bolstered by U.S. air power, is attempting to dislodge the Islamic State from the city where it declared its caliphate. The forecasts point to a long, tough battle.
Under the ISIS model in Syria, "It's become a sort of family jihad," says a French journalist. "Couples go together, sharing a common project. And the role women play is as strong as that of men."
The U.S.-backed Iraqi offensive to try to force ISIS from Mosul may be just days away. Hundreds of thousands could be displaced in the fighting but the nearest camp can accommodate only 50,000 people.
More than 270 girls were taken from their boarding school by militants in April 2014. Their kidnapping spurred an international outcry and prompted the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.
An exhibit at the Colosseum features life-size reconstructions of ancient works that ISIS damaged or destroyed in Iraq and Syria. "It is a universal heritage," says curator Francesco Rutelli.
Parents of a young man who pleaded guilty to trying to join ISIS met with community leaders this week. They made the case for why parents should report their kids if they suspect them of radicalizing.
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter says the increase, which brings the American total to about 5,000, anticipates a major operation to retake the Islamic State-held city of Mosul.
The planned halt in hostilities began at sundown local time on Monday. Just hours before nightfall, President Bashar Assad said he intends to "reclaim every area" of Syria.