Syria: ISIS Now In Control of Historic Palmyra - http://clapway.com/2015/05/21/syria-isis-now-in-control-of-historic-palmyra-123/

After more fighting in Syria, ISIS, the Islamic State, has gained control of historic Palmyra, an early UNESCO World Heritage site that features well-preserved Roman-era ruins such as temples, a theater and colonnades. The site dates back to the second millennium and is mentioned in the Hebrew bible. At one time, it was a prosperous city and crossroads for trade.

There are fears that ISIS will destroy the historic Palmyra site, as they have destroyed other World Heritage sites as they have moved through Syria. ISIS has chosen to destroy other antiquities and historic monuments as they travel through those types of areas after taking them over. Palmyra is also extremely valuable from a strategic viewpoint and will give ISIS an excellent location to conduct more strikes as they travel onward to Homs and Damascus. The Palmyra site is approximately 137 miles from Damascus.

ISIS Controls Much More than Historic Palmyra

This takeover of historic Palmyra is far from all the territory now claimed by ISIS. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human, they control over 50 percent of the territory in Syria since they have been fighting this civil war for the past four years.

However, it is the first time ISIS has managed to take a town right from President Bashar al-Assad’s army and its allied powers. Sources say that one hundred or more pro-government fighters were killed in the fighting so far. ISIS attacks on Palmyra are part of their attempt to travel westward and put pressure on al-Assad’s forces. In the past few days, ISIS also captured Ramadi, which is the capital of Anbar, the largest province in Iraq.Now, the new frontline is considered to be in Husaiba al-Sharqiya, with fighting already taking place there between the Sunni fighters that are pro-government and the militants and snipers.

US Led Forces to Bring Anti-Tanks Weapons, Air Strikes Against ISIS

In an attempt to help curb the travel of ISIS and the takeover of more territory, the US has plans to give anti-tank weapons to Iraqi troops in June to help them fight against the suicide bombings. Additionally, there have been US led air strikes that are part of a campaign to help destroy ISIS.

As ISIS has now taken over historic Palmyra, activities are likely to continue for both sides to take on the fight in this seemingly never ending feud. It is also hoped that the ISIS militants won’t destroy or deface the archeological wonders in historic Palmyra, as that would be a tragic end to a priceless piece of world history.

Syria: ISIS Now In Control of Historic Palmyra

Shiite Militias Gathering to Retake Ramadi - http://clapway.com/2015/05/18/shiite-militias-gathering-to-retake-ramadi-123/

FThere have also been some new developments that came about post-Saddam known as the Facilities Protection Service. Militias are armed groups that will fight for the Iraqi government. Now, it looks like the Shiite Militias are gathering in Iraq to try to retake Ramadi.

Ramadi Fallen to ISIS

Shiite militias are gathering to try to take over Ramadi from the radical group ISIS. Ramadi is the capital of the Anbar Province and a representative said that the Shiite militias are gathering and have confirmed that there will be a deployment there. This spokesperson has been coordinating with Iraq forces, and Iranian militias. The militias were given the go ahead to march forward into Ramadi and since the word has been spoken, the militia is almost eager. Ramadi is located about sixty miles from Baghdad, and over the weekend, IS troops flooded the area and heavy fighting began. Already, 500 people were killed and about 1,400 people and civilians have left the area.

Fears Arise Over Sunni Locals While Shiite Militias are Gathering

The Iraq government has already taken a hard hit and with the deployment of the Shiite militias, there comes a new risk. As the Shiite militias are gathering, the Sunni locals could be in harm’s way. They were spared before and the Shiite groups were held back in favor of the Sunni locals. After Saddam Hussein, the Sunnis have been divided and no one wants it to happen again. With Ramadi now under the control of the IS, a battle between them and the Shiites looks more promising. There seems to be debate over whether or not IS is fully functioning as a state. It seems that IS will strike back if they receive a blow to give everyone a sense that it is undefeated.

The Iraq government had worked with the Shiite once before. Last month they rid the city Tikrit from IS terrorists. Unfortunately, Mosul is still under IS control, it being the second largest city in Iraq. The Shiite militias are gathering in great efforts. The death of a key IS leader was deemed successful by Washington. John Kerry, the Secretary of State from the United States, is convinced that the redeployment will change things and the current situation will be reversed.

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Shiite Militias Gathering to Retake Ramadi