The leader of the Islamic State, formerly Isis, has released the first audiotape calling for jihad since the group renamed. The group is currently battling Iraqi forces across large parts of the country.
Traders selling military uniforms and supplies in Iraq's southern city of Basra are doing brisk business, triggered by a call by Iraq's most senior Shi'ite cleric urging his followers to take up arms to defend themselves against Sunni militants.
The city's main market has seen a large crowd of people, both young and old, who have volunteered to join the Iraqi army in its fight to stop the onslaught.
The Foreign Secretary has been clear on the threat of Isis, but he has ruled out the prospect of any UK military involvement in the crisis.
Iraq’s foreign minister, Hoshyar Zebari, is a natural diplomat. Polite, immaculately dressed, and blessed with a great memory.
Isis has paraded military equipment in Mosul it captured from when the Iraqi army fled in what some see as a "nightmare scenario."