Can be certain isis is using all means possible including human shields to advance. They know our weaknesses when it comes to our taking action (imho). Our ‘civilized’ culture and all other ‘civilized’ cultures have been studied by their generals and the word is out there to blend with the innocents as this last push is being made. (imho) obama and his crowd blew our chances about three to five weeks ago to do air strikes ... currently the lay of the field says the only way is boots on the ground, regrettably. Many innocents are going to perish no matter the course taken, Gleeaikin. Not a situation for any sane person. Sanity was possible about three to five weeks ago but that time has gone and insanity will probably win this day in Iraq (imho). obama waited too long and he probably waited too long on purpose.
I have just heard and red several reports which say that old Saddam Hussein Baathist military are working with ISIS. They seem to have taken over the governing in Mosul and may intend to run a relatively modern Sunni enclave with relatively little ISIS rule. So far there does not seem to be implementing of ISIS brand of Sharia law in Mosul which includes no smoking. My guess is that if the Baathists take over they will edge the ISIS out. If Maliki is edged out and a more moderate and inclusive government arises in Bagdad all out civil war may be averted.