Raqqa

IS (Islamic State) uses civilians as a shield to protect themselves in their stronghold city of Raqqa, Syria. IS fighters are quartered in city hall and other buildings with civilians. Since America prohibits the bombing of civilian targets, America's bombing strategy against IS has "little impact," according to one man who got his family out.

Severed heads on poles and crucified bodies of unbelievers in public tell you what it's like to live there now. The city is controlled by savages. Western journalists are kept out. A young Syrian woman journalist, Ruqia Hassan, was recently executed for reporting about "life under IS rule."

"She seemed to sense that one day she would pay with her life for her words and prayers. She was right."