Can satire and commentary win out against ISIS? Some Saudi journalists and comedians are risking their lives to mock and question their country's religious extremists.
The battle began with one or more car bombs set off inside the Syrian city. There are unconfirmed reports that Islamic State fighters hid themselves among refugees flooding into Kobani.
While the Obama administration maintains it will not negotiate with terrorists, it will allow families to negotiate on their own for release of loved ones.
The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says it isn't clear whether the move is meant to secure the ancient treasures from government forces or to destroy them.