The Turkish Hostages: How and Why were they set free? At what cost?

The story of the 49 Turkish hostages in Iraq, captured by ISIS, has gripped the country for weeks. The story of their release is instructive, and slightly disturbing... for Turks, for friends of Turkey and for those hoping that Turkey will take an offensive position against ISIS. Read more.

IN PHOTOS: The ISIL Crisis Hits 22 Turkish Cities

The long-simmering "quiet" conflict in Turkey between Kurdish desires for greater autonomy and the refusal of Ankara, Turkey's capital, to give way, has come to a head with clashes in 22 Turkish cities. Photos and text here.

For a set of 35 photos showing the mayhem across Turkey, click here.

Palestine: "Give the money to Palestine, not to the UN!" - "Sweden recognizes Palestine as a 'State' "

Palestine - what's the best way to help the Palestinians? Is it by giving money to the UN? Is money given through the UN well spent? Here is a provocative set of ideas: Read more

Sweden has recognized Palestine as a state - with far reaching consequences Read more.
 

Turkey and Syria: "What is drawing 'boy-soldiers' into ISIS?"

This dramatic story of a 14 year old boy from Ankara is part of the "soft underbelly" of the new movement known as ISIS, an almost undiscovered portion of Turkish society.

On the one hand, a radical imam appeals to the religious sentiments of youth. Terrible conditions in Turkey's large cities "push" aspiring youth into the arms of radicals. ISIS offers training, good food and a sense of purpose.

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ISIS: 9,347 Civilians killed; 17386 wounded; 1.8 million refugees

Islamic State insurgents in Iraq have carried out mass executions, abducted women and girls as sex slaves, and used children as fighters in systematic violations that may amount to war crimes, the United Nations said on Thursday.

Read more.