Iraqi Army Makes Gains Against ISIS

The Iraqi Army says it is now pushing back Islamic State fighters from around Baghdad, and the city will not fall.

With no foreign troops in combat on the ground in Iraq, the army has the job of following up on coalition air strikes to halt militant advances. A series of setbacks in the summer had raised questions about the army's ability and morale.

The BBC’s world affairs correspondent John Simpson, has been out with the Iraqi Army to the front line, about twenty miles southwest of Baghdad.

Note: This BBC interview can be heard in the Here & Now podcast or with the WBUR app.