Iraq on the edge

A major offensive, spearheaded by powerful jihadist group the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant but also involving supporters of now-executed dictator Saddam Hussein, has overrun a large chunk of northern and north-central Iraq since Monday. Security forces performed poorly, with some abandoning their vehicles and positions and discarding their uniforms. Witnesses yesterday said that militants were gathering in the Samarra area for another attack on the city, after being repulsed earlier in the week.