العراق

Why ISIS brags about its brutal sectarian murders in Iraq.

ISIS would likely welcome deeper involvement from the IRGC.

The group's approach to other areas it has seized -- a mix of harsh repression and soft-power outreach -- offers insight into how it might consolidate control in Mosul.

The ISIS invasion of Iraq reflects a wider war between Shiites and Sunnis for control of the Middle East.

As ISIS marches toward Baghdad, can Washington afford to sit on the sidelines?

A political-military solution supported by all of Iraq's factions is likely the only measure that can reverse the situation, but it is too soon to gauge whether the Baghdad recognizes this reality.

The votes are in, but Baghdad will need to resuscitate the revenue-sharing deal with the Kurds in order to steady the already-troubled government formation process.

Washington has rightfully avoided backing a candidate in next week's elections, but it should still use counterterrorism assistance and other levers to push Baghdad on pluralism and KRG oil revenue sharing during the presumably lengthy transition period.

Baghdad's promising offer on oil exports and revenues could provide vital breathing room to build a permanent revenue-sharing law, and Washington should encourage the Iraqi Kurds to sign on.