ISIS Takes Iraqi Base

Shaun Keating Iraq, ISIS, News Feather Story 2014

Jihadist group loots base then burns it down ISIL captured the city of Heet in Iraq’s Anbar province. Heet holds the 3rd largest Iraqi military base. The Iraqi Army “tactically withdrew” to defend Al Asad Airbase. ISIL took supplies, munitions, armored vehicles, and tanks. U.N. says ~180,000 people have been displaced fleeing Heet. Heet lies on a strategic route, giving …

ISIS Taking More Ground

Shaun Keating Iraq, ISIS, News Feather Story 2014

Terror group closes on Baghdad The fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria is not going well. The US is conducting airstrikes but ISIS is still advancing. ISIS came within 15.5 miles (25 km) of Baghdad airport. Iraqi forces are threatening to flee unless US intervenes. But Iraq officials say they don’t want US ground forces. In Kobani, a key …

Scotland Stays

Shaun Keating News Feather Story 2014, Scotland

Majority of Scots vote to stay part of UK On Thursday, Scotland voted 55% to 45% to stay in the UK. Voter turnout was as high as 90% in some areas. British Prime Minister David Cameron praised the decision. Alex Salmond, Scottish 1st Minister, resigned in defeat. The “Yes” campaign made a late surge that caused panic. Politicians promised to …

3 Days Until IndyRef

Shaun Keating News Feather Story 2014, Scotland

British PM campaigns in Scotland   Get more backstory summed up for easy reading right here! David Cameron was in Edinburgh Monday campaigning. The Conservative PM wants Scotland to stay in the UK. He said he would be sad if the UK “was torn apart.” Scots over 16 years-old will vote on Thursday. Recent polls show Scotland is still evenly …

Independent Scotland

Shaun Keating News Feather Story 2014, Scotland

Scotland may vote to leave UK next week In 1707, Scotland and England joined to create Great Britain. In 2011, the Scottish National Party gained outright majority. The SNP promised to hold a vote on independence. That vote happens on September 18. Polls show a statistical tie with 51% favoring independence. If passed, it would be formally enacted in 2016. …

Hamas/Israel Ceasefire Melts

Shaun Keating News Feather Story 2014

Ceasefire doesn’t even last 2 hours   Israel and Palestine have been bombing each other for weeks. Over 1,500 have died in Gaza. Thousands have been wounded. The truce started Friday morning and was to last 72 hours. Some reports say it lasted only 90 minutes. Both sides are blaming the other for restarting the fighting. An Israeli soldier was …