January 29, Stratfor

"Multiple actors, backed by considerable coalition air power, have effectively halted the massive gains made by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The group is increasingly being forced onto the strategic defensive, but it is far from defeat and is still able to launch attacks and offensives across the region on the tactical and operational level."

In Syria, the Islamic State has been unable to seize Kobani, Syria due to a spirited defense by Kurdish fighters and Free Syrian Army forces and it has lost more than a 1000 of its troops. Now, the IS has been forced on defensive north and northeast of its headquarters in Raqqa. Also, it has experienced a disappointing reversal in Deir el-Zour at hands of Syrian government forces. However, its greatest threat is the eruption of dissent within its ranks and citizens hostile to its rule.

In Iraq, government military forces have made some progress in dislodging IS from territory near Baghdad and in the north the Kurdish pesmerga have also experienced some success around Mosul, but will take a much more massive effort to drive the IS from this most significant northern city. There is a considerable need for more training and leadership within the Iraqi security forces. Some good plans are developing for a national guard for each province to win support of the Sunni tribes against IS. Unfortunately, internal disputes and sectarianism continue to hamper united action.

Let's pray for the following:

1 Giving thanks to the Lord that IS is being pushed back in some areas of both countries, let's continue to pray that they will be thrown into full division, confusion and flight wherever they are still occupying territory. Let's intercede and believe God for their complete overthrow along with the discrediting and rejection of their violent jihadist ideology that still attracts young Muslims from around the world.

2 Pray for the Kurdish and peshmerga forces, the Syrian Free Army and the Iraqi security forces to develop good leadership, overcome internal disputes in order to become united and effective so as to prevail against IS and drive them out of both countries.