Wars Without Borders

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Jeremy Bowen was travelling in Syria when he got word of the lightning advances of the ISIS group through northern Iraq - and he reflects on how the destinies of both countries, and indeed the whole region, might be affected by its ideas. Over the past decade, as international forces fought their way across the rugged terrain of Afghanistan, they have depended on supplies which had to be flown in via the Manas airbase, in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan. Despite its rather bland, suburban, American-style facilities, this place has always been a political hot potato for Kyrgyz leaders, and it has recently been closed down. Abdujalil Abdurasulov's been a regular BBC visitor there to witness ISAF's air operations, and was on base for a ceremonial farewell. (Photo: Women walk past a billboard that carries Koranic verse urging women to dress modestly, in northern Syria. The ISIS grouping has imposed sweeping restrictions in areas it has taken in Syria and Iraq. Credit: Reuters)