Campaign to retake Ramadi continues to stall
Four moths after the capital of Anbar province fell to ISIL, the Iraqi counteroffensive still languishes. The Iraqis have advantages in numbers and firepower (including airpower) but do not have the spirit to launch a concerted offensive.
ISIL moves into northern Syria
Meanwhile in Syria, ISIL has moved into parts of the north that government forces abandoned in recent weeks.
Navy secretary rejects marine corps study of women in combat units
A recent marine corps evaluation found problems in placing women in combat units. The navy secretary dismisses the marines’ objections as the result of biased thinking inside the marines. This will not sit well with the military.