War

Islamic State launches counter-offensive south of Mosul - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Islamic State launched a counter-attack Saturday in the outskirts of Mosul, pushing Iraqi government forces back from some of the gains they reported Friday. Islamic State fighters emerged from deeper within the embattled city and launched a fierce attack on Iraqi forces using mortars, shoulder-mounted missiles and suicide bombers in vehicles masquerading as civilians fleeing the bloodshed. The heaviest fighting was in the Gogjali district on the city's southern edge, an area the Iraqi military declared 'liberated' on Friday."

Comment: So, how's the battle for Mosul going? We knew there would be some reverses and it would not be easy. That is proving to be the case. Is the "new" Iraqi army professional and steady enough to hold the course this time? Stay tuned!