PhotoThe overall picture the official painted of the Islamic State was of an organization losing significant amounts of territory but still determined to fight. Advertisement Continue reading the main storyThe American-led command has concentrated on striking midlevel commanders to try to sow confusion in the Islamic State’s ranks. American officials appear confident that the Islamic State will be evicted from Iraq’s major cities and towns within six months. The Syrian towns Mayadeen and Abu Kamal are still Islamic State strongholds, as is Qaim across the border in Iraq. Retaking Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, would be a body blow to the Islamic State.

Source: New York Times March 08, 2017 23:40 UTC