Iraqi forces edge into Mosul

Obama's patient and careful work in helping put together the coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq (not done yet, but looking hopeful) without putting large numbers of US troops at risk (and the spending that would entail) is starting to look like a pretty impressive accomplishment. Doing it this way also seems much less likely to further inflame anti-US sentiments in the region. Sometimes it's good to have a smart and careful president. Let's hope we have another one soon.

Iraqi military must have been confident of this - why else would they embed international news reporters with them

Not many militaries in the world would be confident enough to bring news reporters with them, of things they might do

No Russian nationalists coming to congregate and reassure themselves that this is the "mirror image" of the war crimes in Aleppo?

I wonder why....

The Iraqi army is finally getting it together. Hopefully this is the corner turned for this beleaguered country. Never forget that the US Republican party made this mess when they put an idiot in the Oval Office. Pretty pertinent right now.

No Russian nationalists coming to congregate and reassure themselves that this is the "mirror image" of the war crimes in Aleppo?

Yawn... Some NATO propagandists still on duty today? And who is troll then?

It's very easy to fight when there is no UN observers or Red Cross personnel nearby, and when Syrian Goebbels and his comrades-in-propaganda do not fabricate one lie after another, and when not so rosy news are muffled by friendly media.

This sudden dash for Mosul reminds me the attempt by the Allies to take Berlin before the Soviets in 1945. Yes, spectacular victory is needed for the Big Day next week!