Ukraine: Pro-Russian separatists have taken positions within the cities of Donetsk and Luhansk in anticipation of an onslaught by Ukrainian troops. Russia appears to be standing by, taking no action, as Ukraine sealed off the border to stop the flow …

Middle East: At least six members of the Palestinian militant group Hamas were killed in Israeli air strikes in Gaza. Israel said the strikes were in retaliation for rocket attacks. The region is simmering after the killing of three Israeli …

Iraq: President Obama is sending 300 military advisors to stiffen the spine of the Iraqi army that’s collapsing before advancing Sunni Islamist rebels. Although the presence of “advisors” is often the first step to entering combat, Obama said American soldiers …