Ben Kesling

Iraqi Kurds Seize Islamic State-Held Land, Bolstering Leverage for Future
Thursday, September 15, 2016 - 07:30
Iraqi Kurds have pushed forward with renewed vigor to retake land from Islamic State in recent weeks, territory that could be used as bargaining chips in future negotiations they are seeking to achieve more autonomy or even independence.
U.S. Gets Ready to Assist Offensive to Retake Key Iraqi City From Islamic State
Friday, September 9, 2016 - 07:40
The U.S. is gearing up to assist in an offensive to reclaim the Iraqi city of Mosul from Islamic State, and has sent 400 additional troops to the country in anticipation Iraqi forces will begin the long-delayed battle in October, officials said.
Iraqi Forces Repel Islamic State Counterattacks in Ramadi
Thursday, December 10, 2015 - 06:18
Iraqi forces backed by U.S.-led airstrikes repelled Islamic State counterattacks here Wednesday, a day after the army gained an important foothold in the city.
Iraqi Sunni Fighters Prepare for Expanded Role in Ramadi Battle
Thursday, December 3, 2015 - 05:39
During a U.S. military training exercise at Iraq’s Habbaniyah air base a few months ago, Sheik Taher al-Jassem said some of his fellow tribesmen wondered aloud how they could sit beside the same American soldiers they would have tried to kill only a few years ago.