Iraq faces major threat to stability with new conflict

28 Photos

Sunni jihadist forces, led by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS or ISIL), launched a major offensive in northern Iraq on June 9, resulting in the capture of Iraq’s second largest city on June 10. Counter-attacks by Iraqi security forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga slowed the offensive, and Shiite Iraqis have been volunteering in large numbers to fight ISIS. The US and Iran have been discussing the situation, and might work together to support the Iraqi government.