Iraq Launches Effort To Retake Tikrit From ISIS Fighters
An Iraqi force has begun a large-scale operation to recapture the city, according to state TV. Tikrit, the hometown of Saddam Hussein, lies between Baghdad and Mosul.
Iraq
ISIS Video Shows Extremists Smashing Priceless Artifacts
Bearded men wielding sledgehammers are seen shattering ancient statues and friezes in the Iraqi city of Mosul. One of the militants says God commanded them to remove the idols and statues.
Iraq's National Museum To Open For First Time Since 2003 Invasion
The planned reopening was moved up following the release of a video showing self-declared Islamic State extremists destroying priceless ancient artifacts in the Mosul museum.
Remembering The Relics And Rich History Of Mosul, Before ISIS
When NPR's Alice Fordham visited Mosul in 2010, bird droppings and rain were the biggest threats to its archaeological sites. Now ISIS has destroyed artifacts that had endured for millennia.
After 6,000 Years, Time For A Renovation At Iraq's Citadel
The Citadel, at the heart of the Kurdish city of Erbil, has been inhabited for six millennia. Now, amid war and destruction, it's undergoing a much-needed restoration and upgrade of city services.
ISIS's 'Jihadi John' Revealed As Londoner Born In Kuwait
NPR's Kelly McEvers speaks with Washington Post contributor Souad Mekhennet. The Post broke the news about the identity of "Jihadi John,
ISIS Video Shows Extremists Destroying Artifacts
A video has surfaced that appears to show members of the self-proclaimed Islamic State, also known as ISIS, smashing priceless antiques at a museum in Mosul, Iraq.
Iraqi Kurds: We're Ready To Fight For Mosul
The Kurdish security chief says his Peshmerga fighters have gained ground against ISIS. But the big prize in northern Iraq is Mosul, and he says the Iraqi army will be needed for that battle.
Saudis Grow Increasingly Critical Of The Campaign Against ISIS
Prince Turki al-Faisal, the ex-Saudi intelligence chief, says the "pinprick" attacks against the Islamic State are not proving effective. He also says the campaign needs to be better coordinated.
Brutal ISIS Tactics Create New Levels Of Trauma Among Iraqis
The self-styled Islamic State has made a practice of public beheadings and other horrific acts of violence. It's taking a huge toll on Iraqis, only a fraction of whom are getting the help they need.