• The recent crisis in the Middle East involves the terrorist group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). ISIS has stormed through countries, violently killing innocent people and destroying communities.
• The United States government has sided against ISIS, pushing the group to even more extreme measures.
• Videos posted online by ISIS to President Obama show the beheading of two American journalists: James Foley and Steven Sotloff; In the videos, they advise President Obama to discontinue strikes against the group.
• “Any attempt by you, Obama, to deny Muslims liberty and safety under the Islamic caliphate, will result in the bloodshed of your people,” said a member of ISIS in the video of Steven Sotloff being executed.
• In the video the militants also informed the world that the next victim will be a British journalist.
• The United States government has officially decided to begin intense airstrikes against ISIS and is currently considering sending in troops. 475 U.S. military advisors have been sent deployed to Iraq.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/08/world/isis-fast-facts/