Iraqi security forces have been battling Sunni-led militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) as the insurgents seek to push toward the capital, Baghdad, where U.S. President Barack Obama plans to deploy up to 275 troops to provide security at the U.S. embassy. RFE/RL tries to answer some of the questions of this unfolding crisis.
# INFOGRAPHIC: Iraq's Complicated Ties.
# President Obama is set to meet with congressional leaders today about the situation in Iraq. How might some senators respond? A report by correspondent Luke Johnson.
# The dramatic advance by Islamic militants in Iraq has sparked a blame game in Washington between current and former officials over whose policies are at fault. A report by correspondent Carl Schreck.
# Has the fighting in Iraq claimed a member of Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps? A report by correspondent Golnaz Esfandiari.
# In a series of reports, correspondent Charles Recknagel offers analysis on many issues shaping the conflict. Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has quickly turned to Shi'ite militias to reinforce the army for a planned counter offensive against Sunni insurgents in the north. Is it a recipe for success, or civil war? Plus, U.S. and Iranian officials say they could consider cooperating in Iraq against the ISIL, but what form might that take? Finally, some half a million people have fled Mosul. When can they can go back?
Follow developments at Radio Free Iraq (also in Arabic), and for news from all of RFE/RL's broadcast regions, follow us online and on Twitter and Facebook.
-- Karisue Wyson
RFE/RL Reports: Tough Questions Surrounding Iraq's New Crisis
