ISIS is planning additional "significant" external operations against the West from its de-facto capital in Raqqa, Syria, the top U.S. commander in Iraq told reporters Wednesday. “I will say that we actually aren't sure how pressing it is, and that's what's worrying us,” Lt. Gen. Stephen...

(Middle East Eye)- Turkish police clashed with protesters in Diyarbakir on Wednesday, using tear gas and water cannon to prevent them demonstrating against the detention of the Kurdish-majority city's co-mayors. Gultan Kisanak and Firat Anli, members of the Democratic Regions party (DBP),...

(The Daily Star)- Kurdish YPG militia fighters will be a part of the force to isolate ISIS-held Syrian city of Raqqa, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq said Wednesday. The United States regards the YPG as an ally in its fight against ISIS, but Turkey regards it as a terrorist...

(Zaman Al Wasl)- A number of Kurdish parties and political figures forming the Kurdish National Council objected to mechanisms to elect independent candidates to the council.  Elections for the Kurdish National Council’s 4th conference are expected to take place in two days. ...