The offensive for Tikrit has stalled for more than a week, after initially advancing with relative ease across surrounding Salahuddin province, leaving fighters stalled around the city.
Imported from Pakistan by the crate, the kites -- familiar to those who know Khaled Hosseini's novel "The Kite Runner" or the movie based on it -- are flown with razor-sharp, glass-coated thread that often leaves fighters with bloody hands.
doesn't fight for new ground in the islands during the rainy season the weather can damage vehicles and leave fighters stranded but, in the past two dry seasons, it has taken significant territory back from Boko Haram, spurring defections.
doesn't fight for new ground in the islands during the rainy season — the weather can damage vehicles and leave fighters stranded — but, in the past two dry seasons, it has taken significant territory back from Boko Haram, spurring defections.
There are some in the world of mixed martial arts who question that approach, who believe winning is more important than how you win, who say looking for a finish can leave fighters vulnerable to losing and to injuries.
Generally, leave fighter pilot stick deflections to fighter pilots.
Early last week, Mr. Yasin left his fighters in their compound to attend a commanders' meeting.
With seconds left, the fighters traded blows, and a left hook from Bradley jolted Marquez with enough force that his glove almost touched the canvas.
"After we left, the fighters who came destroyed our house," she says.
