Iraq Civil War News Updates -- July 29-30, 2014

Iraq Struggles To Halt Militants' March On Baghdad -- Wall Street Journal

Islamic State Militants Are Edging Their Way to the Capital From the South

BAGHDAD—Last week, the Iraqi army said it had retaken a town the government said was a base for Sunni jihadists.

Baghdad's stated victory was short-lived.

Two days later, Sunni extremists from the Islamic State drove five Humvees into the town, Jurf al-Sakhar, and blew themselves and others up, setting off a new round of fighting to control the town.

On Monday, the government's retaliatory airstrikes killed 27 people, a local security official said.

The fight for Jurf al-Sakhar within what U.S. forces in Iraq once called the "Triangle of Death"—a major combat zone during the American occupation—shows how Iraqi forces are struggling to stave off the insurgents encroaching on the capital.

Read more ....

Iraq Civil War News Updates -- July 29-30, 2014

Iraq is already splitting into three states -- USA Today
ISIS–Baghdad fight over strategic town southwest of capital -- Asharq Al-Awsat
Iraq insurgents destroy key bridge -- AFP
Shiite militias in Iraq hanged bodies of ISIS fighters -- i24 News
Fallujah Terrorized by Iraqi Army’s Use of Barrel Bombs -- Rudaw
Iranian commanders at forefront of Iraqi fight -- AP
Iraq's Holy Sites Reduced To Rubble -- Radio Free Europe
US plans largest ever sale of Hellfire missiles to Iraq -- Times of India/AFP
US military close to selling 5000 Hellfire missiles to Iraq -- Press TV
U.S. Approves More Hellfire Missiles for Iraq -- WSJ
After Iraqi Army Crumbles, Maliki Turns to State TV for Help -- VOA
What It Means To Be Baghdadi Today -- Simon Speakman Cordall, Newsweek

WNU Editor: This is an interesting read .... The Iraq War’s Key Players: Where Are They Now? -- Frontline