Jun 17 U.S. troops move into position for Iraq security mission By Julie Pace and Lara Jakes, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Nearly 300 armed American forces are being positioned in and around Iraq to help secure U.S. assets as President Barack Obama nears a decision on an array of options for combating fast-moving Islamic insurgents, including airstrikes or a… Continue reading
Jun 16 Watch Militants capture Iraqi town near Syrian border By PBS News Hour The town of Tal Afar in northern Iraq fell to jihadists overnight. A city official said families were trapped in their houses by the fighting and that many people were killed. Meanwhile, a new video was released showing Sunni militants… Continue watching
Jun 16 Watch What’s fueling and funding the insurgents behind the violence in Iraq? By PBS News Hour The Sunni militants known as ISIL or ISIS continue to broaden their control over the northern Iraq. What are their origins and how does the group compare to other insurgencies? Gwen Ifill learns more from journalist Rania Abouzeid and Brian… Continue watching
Jun 16 Watch News Wrap: Al-Shabab gunmen rampage coastal hotels in Kenya By PBS News Hour In our news wrap Monday, gunmen killed at least 48 people and burned down two hotels in the coastal town of Mpeketoni, Kenya. Witnesses said the assailants met with little resistance from government forces. Also, Russia cut off natural gas… Continue watching
Jun 16 President Obama says up to 275 U.S. military troops will deploy to Iraq By Julie Pace and Lara Jakes, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is urgently deploying several hundred armed troops in and around Iraq and considering sending an additional contingent of special forces soldiers as Baghdad struggles to repel a rampant insurgency, even as the White House insists… Continue reading
Jun 16 Pacific Island nation shuts fishery to protect tuna By William Brangham President Anote Tong of the tiny Pacific Island nation of Kiribati, announced Monday the closure of a vast fishing ground known as the Phoenix Islands Protected Area. The area, which spans over 150,000 square miles of ocean -- roughly the… Continue reading
Jun 16 Ghana rations electricity ahead of World Cup debut By Diane Jeanty The West African nation has been forced to ration its electricity throughout the month due to shortages in natural gas and lower than average water levels needed to power the Akosombo dam along the Volta River. Currently, the dam is… Continue reading
Jun 16 Goal-line technology begins to clear controversial goals By Sarah McHaney Line technology is almost a staple now in any sport involving a ball, a line and questionable calls. FIFA, however, has long resisted using goalline technology in their World Cup matches until 2014. A goal – according to FIFA –… Continue reading
Jun 16 What’s it take to get out of Guantanamo? By Larisa Epatko Guantanamo inmate Fayiz Mohammed Ahmed al-Kandari put on a white cap and the traditional Middle Eastern white cotton shirt and pants on Thursday, in preparation for making his case to officials on why he no longer poses a risk to… Continue reading
Jun 16 Pentagon rules out U.S. military cooperation with Iran in Iraq crisis By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press The Pentagon's press secretary, Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, told reporters Monday that while there may be discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials in Vienna about security in the region, it will not include any military coordination. Continue reading