News Exercise #77

1) What has started recently in Tikrit?
The Iraqi army soldiers and their allies have mounted the largest offensive against the Islamic State to date.

2) At o:39 the general’s statement is translated in two sentences. What did he say?
The liberation of this city and province will serve as a launch pad for reclaiming the north and the west of Iraq. If Islamic State is defeated here, they’ll be defeated easily in other regions.

3) At 1:35 the man explains about what he is wearing. What is it, and why is he wearing it?
It is a burial cloth for his own coffin. He is is ready to pay the ultimate sacrifice for his homeland.

4) At the end we hear a less optimistic comment. What was the message?
It feels like Iraq’s battle against the Islamic State is just beginning.