Libya: Unclear if US strikes killed al-Qaida leader
By SARAH EL DEEB and LOLITA C. BALDOR A Libyan military spokesman said Monday that three foreigners were among a number of militants killed in U.S. airstrikes in eastern Libya,…
Religion and politics
Gay marriage a difficult issue for GOP White House hopefuls
For Democratic politicians, same-sex marriage has become an easy issue: They’re for it. Many Republican VIPs — notably the presidential hopefuls — face a far more complicated landscape. By DAVID…
Iraq launches operation to retake Tikrit from Islamic State
By SINAN SALAHEDDIN Backed by allied Shiite, Sunni and Iranian fighters, Iraqi security forces launched a large-scale military operation Monday to recapture Saddam Hussein’s hometown from the Islamic State extremist…
Obama open to changes to military authority against IS
By NEDRA PICKLER President Barack Obama is open to negotiating with Congress on his request for new authorization for military force against Islamic State militants, including his proposed three-year time…
Kerry: Fighting extremism requires more than military action
By JOSH LEDERMAN In the fight against violent extremism, President Barack Obama has argued the U.S. has one thing going for it that Europe doesn’t: a long tradition of warmly…
Obama sends Congress request for military force against IS
By NEDRA PICKLER and DAVID ESPO President Barack Obama sent Congress legislation Wednesday to authorize military force against Islamic State fighters, asking lawmakers to “show the world we are united…
Fresh off victory over IS in Kobani, Kurds seek more success
By ZEINA KARAM and MOHAMMED RASOOL For Kurdish fighters, last month’s victory over Islamic State militants in the town of Kobani in northern Syria was only the beginning. Their ambition…
Obama to send his new war powers request to Capitol Hill
By DEB RIECHMANN and NEDRA PICKLER The White House was ready to share with lawmakers Tuesday its plan to seek authority for the use of military force against the Islamic…