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U.S. Central Command said that while there are still areas of the Old City of Mosul that must be back-cleared of explosive devices and possible ISIS fighters in hiding, Iraqi forces have Mosul now firmly under their control.

The Latest on the fighting in Iraqs Mosul (all times local to Baghdad):

8:30 p.m.

The U.S.-led coalition has congratulated Iraqi forces on retaking Mosul from the Islamic State group after Iraqs prime minister declared victory in the northern city.

U.S. Central Command said that while there are still areas of the Old City of Mosul that must be back-cleared of explosive devices and possible ISIS fighters in hiding, Iraqi forces have Mosul now firmly under their control.

The coalition has provided crucial air support to Iraqi forces since they launched the Mosul offensive in October.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend said make no mistake; this victory alone does not eliminate ISIS and there is still a tough fight ahead, using another acronym for IS. But he said the loss of the city is a decisive blow.

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8:15 p.m.

Iraqs prime minister has returned to Mosul and declared victory against the Islamic State group in the northern city following nine months of grueling urban combat.

Speaking Monday from a small base on the edge of Mosuls Old City, where heavy clashes have been underway for days, Haider al-Abadi said Iraqi forces had achieved victory by the blood of our martyrs.

He has made similar announcements in recent days despite ongoing clashes, and visited Mosul on Sunday to congratulate Iraqi troops.

Heavy fighting was still underway just a few hours before he spoke Monday, and it was unclear whether the last militants had been defeated.

U.S.-backed Iraqi forces launched a massive operation to retake Mosul in October, and in recent days they had confined the remaining militants in an area measuring less than a square kilometer (less than a mile).

The battle for Mosul killed thousands and displaced more than 897,000 people.

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7:30 p.m.

Iraqs prime minister has returned to Mosul and declared total victory in the fight against the Islamic State group there, though some fighting is expected to continue.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has congratulated Iraqi troops on their victory on previous occasions despite ongoing clashes. The latest announcement came in a statement posted on Twitter.

Hours earlier, Associated Press reporters had seen heavy fighting still underway. It was not immediately clear if the clashes had ended.

U.S.-backed Iraqi forces launched a massive operation to retake Mosul in October, and in recent days they had confined the remaining few hundred militants in an area measuring less than a square kilometer (less than a mile).

Al-Abadi visited Mosul on Sunday to congratulate the troops, even as fighting still raged nearby.

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4 p.m.

The United Nations says there is no end in sight to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq despite recent progress in driving the Islamic State group from Mosul.

A statement released Monday says thousands of Mosul residents will likely remain displaced from the city after the fight is concluded because of extensive damage caused during the conflict.

Airstrikes, artillery and militant bombings have destroyed thousands of buildings as well as key infrastructure in Mosul. Iraqs Interior Ministry says more than half of all buildings in western Mosul, where the fighting was heaviest, were damaged or destroyed.

More than 800,000 people have been forced from their homes since the operation began in October.

Iraqi forces are still battling the extremists in a small area along the west bank of the Tigris River, where Iraqi commanders say hundreds of fighters are using their own families as human shields.

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1:55 p.m.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he welcomes news that the fight against the Islamic State group in Mosul is nearing its ends but says the once oil-rich city has been left in ruins.

Erdogan spoke to a World Petroleum Congress meeting in Istanbul on Monday. He also questioned who would pay for the reconstruction of the region.

Erdogan says Turkey is very happy about the news that a conclusion (in the battle for) Mosul is being reached but cautioned that the point which Mosul has reached is very important.

He says: We have been left with a Mosul in ruins.

Erdogan adds: Who will meet the cost of rebuilding Mosul for the people of Mosul?

The Turkish leader reiterated the importance of maintaining Iraqs territorial integrity and said a planned independence referendum by Iraqs autonomous Kurdish region would harm Iraqs future.

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8:50 a.m.

Iraqi forces are pushing to retake the last patch of ground in Mosul where Islamic State militants are holding on to a tiny sliver of the Old City, west of the Tigris River, a day after the prime minister visited soldiers to congratulate his troops on the hard-fought battle.

Brig. Gen. Haider Fadhil of the Iraqi special forces says his men, closely backed by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes, are continuing to advance and clear territory in the Old City on Monday.

Iraqi commanders say they believe hundreds of IS fighters remain inside the neighborhood and are using their families including women and children as human shields.

Iraqi forces launched the operation to retake Mosul last October and began the weeks-long push through the Old City district in June.

Read more:
US-Led Coalition Says Iraqis Have Retaken Mosul - Houston Public Media

Its media day at the All-Star Game, where every player is available for about a half-hour to answer questions from a variety of reporters.

Last years media day in San Diego featured seven Cubs, all of whom were repeatedly asked about the teams slump heading into the All-Star break.

This year Joe Maddon is the only one back from the 2016 champs, and newcomer Wade Davis is the only Cubs' rep.

"That was an awkward moment (Sunday)," Maddon said, "To be presented a jersey on our field in front of all of our fans and have none of our players out there. It was different. It was difficult. Actually I talked to (Ben Zobrist) about it... just to let him know how much I respect and appreciate how much they've done for us, and how awkward it was for me personally to accept this jersey while they're all sitting in the dugout.

"It's a little bit different. I guess it's really never happened before. I'm really looking forward to our second half. I have a strong belief system in our guys, and I'm not just saying that. It's not just lip service. It was kind of different and uncomfortable because of that.

"We (managers) get to represent here because of the efforts of our players, and what they did last year."

Maddon didn't have to answer any questions about the Cubs, as the players did last year.

Anthony Rizzo was so annoyed at the non-stop questions about the Cubs downfall and its snake-bit and demoralized fans he finally blurted out: I cant control if Erics sitting on his couch and doesnt play baseball and is mad at our team. I just cant control that.

Rizzo came home to Wrigley and said the only ones panicking were the media, referring to narrative from the All-Star Game week. The Cubs answered with a dominant second half and overcame deficits in the NLCS and World Series to finally bring home a title.

Its dj vu all over again in Miami, with the Cubs heading into the break on a sour note after Sundays 14-3 loss left them two games under .500 and 5 1/2 back of the Brewers.

But only Davis had to answer all the questions regarding their struggles and the demoralized, albeit no longer snake-bit fans. Someone asked if it felt strange to be the only rep for the world champs, even though he wasn't on the team.

"You're like the sixth person that's asked that," Davis said, grinning. "I can only speak for myself. I think there's a lot of talent on the team and they're be fine, we'll be good when we get into the second half of the season. I guarantee it. I'm just fortunate to be on that team."

Maddon announced his starting pitcher, Max Scherzer, who will face the American League's Chris Sale.

Read the original:
Joe Maddon sets his NL lineup for tomorrow's All-Star Game - Chicago Tribune

The Briton survived a day in hell in Sunday's ninth stage as big rival and long-time friend Richie Porte crashed out, but he lost his lieutenant Geraint Thomas, who also exited the race after a fall.

Froome is now without his key support, he could not drop his main rivals in the last climb to the Mont du Chat, and was also distanced by last year's runner-up Romain Bardet in the treacherous final descent.

In addition, Froome had to deal with controversy. Fabio Aru attacked him just as he was requesting assistance because of a mechanical problem on the Mont du Chat.

Later Froome appeared to lean onto the Italian, who then almost crashed into the spectators lined up along the route.

"I lost my balance a little bit and swerved to the right. Aru happened to be on my right and he had to swerve as well. Any suggestion that it was on purpose is just crazy," said Froome.

Both Froome and Aru played down the incidents the attack and the alleged retribution.

To add to the off-bike worries, Sky found itself in the center of a row over their time-trial skin suits at the Grand Depart in Germany, while team principal Dave Brailsford has been snubbing the media since his opening news conference, though Froome and his teammates have been cooperative.

The Welshman, who was more than willing to discuss team tactics and all things cycling when Sky arrived in the peloton, now declines to chat with reporters most of the time.

For the first time in years, the yellow jersey will not be holding his traditional rest-day news conference.

Though Froome picked up a four-second time bonus by finishing third on Sunday, he has not yet hammered the opposition.

He leads Aru by 18 seconds and Bardet by 51 going into the second week with the GC battle set to resume in the Pyrenees and the Frenchman, a runner-up last year, promising "more battles will be fought."

But Froome has so far fought off his rivals.

"You need somebody on par with him and I don't know if that's the case. It's a race that could be Chris Froome's race," three-time champion Greg LeMond told Reuters.

Aru beat Froome in the first summit finish last Wednesday but was at some point dropped in the ascent to the Mont du Chat.

Bardet was eventually reined in during the run-in to Chambery after dropping the main overall contenders in the descent

One of Froome's main challengers, Colombian Nairo Quintana, is now 2:13 off the pace after failing to sustain the pace in the climb up the Mont du Chat.

Even a podium finish, let alone overall victory, seems unlikely for the Movistar rider.

With a 22-km time trial favoring the Briton on the penultimate day, the race is still Froome's to lose.

See more here:
Cracks appear in Sky's armor but Froome still in control of Tour de France - Duluth News Tribune

This comes after two Afghan diplomats recently insulted government and made bold political statements on their Facebook pages.

Concerns have been raised over inappropriate social media posts by diplomats and officials who take to Facebook to lash out at government.

Two senior Afghan diplomats recently hit out at government and made bold political statements.

In one instance, Afghan Consul General in Vancouver, Canada, Mohammad Salem Wahdat slammed government for not executing terrorist backers and their sympathizers.

Wahdat also singled out the Ministry of Interior.

He said: Our soldiers should be able to defend their rights . if their voice is suffocated when corruption is at its peak, large-scale corruption will increase. This was in relation to allegations having been made that food for soldiers was being stolen.

Another diplomat, cultural attach of Afghanistan to Washington DC, Majeed Qarar, also used Facebook to hit out at government and to make political statements.

Qarar has in the past referred to some individuals and certain circles as gangsters and recently posted: Freedom of speech, civil activities and other decorative terminology is used by warlords to justify their defiance.

In another post, he used a photograph of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin and made it look like Sharif was saying to Putin that Pakistan was prepared to commit adultery on behalf of Russia.

When contacted for comment, Qarar said his Facebook posts were his personal views while Wahdat said his posts were not considered an issue in Afghanistan.

Qarar meanwhile said: A civil servant can express his views even about his employer; there is no legal restriction in this respect.

President Ashraf Ghanis spokesman Shahussain Murtazawi said government expected its officials to use social media responsibly.

Our expectation is that social media users, use social media positively and spread the message of peace, solidarity and friendship instead of spreading hate, said Murtazawi.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) also responded and said it would draw up a social media policy for its staff.

But legal experts have said diplomats are official representatives of their governments and therefore social media postings should be handled responsibly. They also said a clear social media policy should be implemented.

The views expressed by a government official represents the views of his government, especially diplomats who are the authorized representatives of their country abroad, said legal expert Wahid Farzayee.

Journalists and media rights activists also raised concerns and said they have long called for such a policy to be implemented.

Head of NAI (Organization Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan), Mujib Khalwatgar, said an amendment to Afghanistans media law includes an article on social media usage.

We hope that lawmakers in the national assembly will address the matter once the draft [law] is referred to parliament, he said.

See the original post here:
Critics Call For More Control Over Social Media Postings - TOLOnews

There will be a surprise or two. There always is at SEC Media Days.

Try as it might, the conference and its network can't quite control all of the message. Last year, Missouri Tigers athletic director Mack Rhoades, smack dab in the middle of media days, left one set of problems for another at Baylor.

Steve Spurrier -- or the South Carolina Gamecocks sports information director -- once forgot to put Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow, from Spurrier's alma mater, on his All-SEC ballot.A former turkey inseminator at Vanderbilt Commodores once wowed 'em. We know for a fact Nick Saban will not be shy. He never is.

With those past surprises in mind, here are five sure-fire things to watch for during the festivities in Hoover, Alabama, this week:

1. Defending their turf: Expect a lot of chest-puffing in Hoover regarding the SEC's continued dominance. This is their time, their belief and their network. A few points, though: The SEC is going to have to rally from behind in 2017 to regain that No. 1 spot among conferences. The ACC has won two of the last four Heismans and national championships. The SEC had a dearth of quality quarterback play last season. There is every reason to believe the SEC will bounce back but the league has to get past being Alabama and the 13 Dwarfs. I can't remember the last time the SEC had to defend itself going into Hoover. We'll see what form that takes this week in Hoover starting with "Pawwwwwl "

2. Alabama is favored ... what else is new? A 26-game winning streak ended with one second to go against Clemson Tigers . There is little to fear on this front unless you're one of those 13 Dwarfs. The Bammers go into 2017 ranked No. 1 in the SEC and likely No. 1 in the country. They have some of the best running back depth nationally. You know the defense is going to be elite. The only question will be what subject Saban will plum while on the podium. He'll have something sticking in his craw, believe me.

3. But who's No. 2? Last year there seemed to be a 13-way tie for second in the SEC. For the first time ever, every team but one lost at least four games. One man's parity is another man's mediocrity. Auburn Tigers gets the second-best nod this season mostly because Jarrett Stidham makes this offense the most dangerous on The Plains since Nick Marshall Thundering Herd in 2013. There's a new offensive coordinator (Chip Lindsey) and a rock solid defensive coordinator (Kevin Steele). The season starts at home against Clemson!

4. Speaking of those quarterbacks The conference's depth at the position has been replenished. Bama's Jalen Hurts was the offensive player of the year as a freshman. Missouri's Drew Lock may be the most experienced with almost 3,400 passing yards last season. We told you about Stidham. Austin Allen will have to be even more of a gunslinger at Arkansas Razorbacks with Rawleigh Williams' retirement. Mississippi State Bulldogs 's Nick Fitzgerald led the league in total offense. In a season with little for which to play, Ole Miss Rebels ' Shea Patterson gives the Rebels a chance.

5. A farewell to Kevin Sumlin?: Here's the definition of being on the hot seat. The Texas A&M Aggies athletic director called out his coach at the SEC spring meetings. Sumlin has to win or else after three consecutive 8-5 Groundhog Day seasons. Sumlin is known for his candor. Can't wait for Wednesday when Summy hits the podium and no-doubt tackles the issue head on.

See original here:
Five things to watch for at the 2017 SEC Media Days this week - CBSSports.com