The fall of Ramadi in Iraq and Palmyra in Syria in the last few weeks replicated the lightning advances made by ISIS militants in Iraq last year.
The Iraqi army - led by Shia militant factions - have recaptured some of Ramadi in recent days; nonetheless, the victories on opposite ends of the vast swathe of land controlled by so-called IS may trigger a change in strategy by US-led coalition forces in the region.
Washington is leading a campaign which involves air strikes and bombing from the air alone, letting local forces engage in all ground activity,
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Shona Murray caught up with Middle East correspondent Borzou Daragahi, who started by explaining the significance of the key cities of Ramadi and Palmyra:
