Some good news apparently....
"Kurdish Peshmerga Kill Top IS Military Commander"
http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/160920141
I was of the information that its former senior Iraqi army personal masterminding their military advances. We need a deck of cards.
It's more of Putin wanting to push NATO out of it's sphere of Influence. There those for and against it within the Kremlin. I'm guessing Putin wouldn't want to risk it. Though it's likely sabre rattling more than anything else.
It depends on if Putin truly believes the US is a toothless giant that won't retaliate in kind to Russia.
Any nuclear exchange between the US and Russia would be bad for everyone. Anyway you have to keep in mind that Putin views the collapse of the Soviet Union as the biggest geopolitical disaster of the 20th century. When you view Putin through that lens, his decision making starts to make some sense.
You have to take on the ideas directly and also take on those who are willing to commit acts of terrorism with force when it's appropriate. It's a fine balancing act that we've yet to get right. Had Bush restricted himself to Afghanistan, we might have been further along in defeating this warped ideology.
It's a mix of Saddam's Generals and extremists who fought the US during the Iraqi insurgency. Then you have an influx of fighters from around the world who have only joined the fight in the last few years.
Turkey fails to cut Islamic State oil revenue despite US pressure
How long before France experiences a bombing/suicide bombing on their streets?
French Jets Carry Out First Attack on Islamic State in Iraq - Bloomberg
Shall we have a sweepstake? France has been a target for Islamists almost as long as us.
Given their history in Algeria, probably longer.Although in the good old days, they were "just" terrorists.
ISIS Captures Millions of Dollars, Gold Ingots, Stashed at Former Iraqi Parliament Speaker's Home
MEMRI: ISIS Captures Millions of Dollars, Gold Ingots, Stashed at Former Iraqi Parliament Speaker's Home
They all most had air force just over a year ago, courtesy of the UK and allies, if only Cameron and Hague had their way.
I remember Cameron making a speech - I think it was at a meeting G8? can't remember- he was outside, and said that he has spoken to the rebels and they have given me assurances that . ans we should support them.
At the time I thought Cameron was just showing his total naivety of the situation.
Putin was there and also made a speech which outsmarted amateurs like Cameron in every respect!