From NPR News in Washington, I'm Jean Cochran.The US air campaign against Islamic State militants in Iraq is working.Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the airstrikes have helped Iraqi and Kurdish forces stop the militants from advancing on Arbil.He also warned, though, those militants would almost surely regroup and stage a new offensive.He called the Islamic State organization as sophisticated and well-funded as any group he's seen,and Hagel left open the possibility of US airstrike against the group in Syria as well as in Iraq.As for that failed mission to rescue the American journalist James Foley in Syria earlier this summer, Hegel defended that effort.We all regret that mission did not succeed.But I'm very proud, very proud the US forces that participated thatand the United States will not relent our efforts to bring our citizens home and their captives to justice.Foley was brutally executed by Islamic Stateand the militants are threatening to kill another American hostage.A missionary doctor Kent Brantly who picked up Ebola virus while working in Liberia has been given a clean bill of health,and released from an Atlanta hospital.Jame Bierth, from member station WABE reports.Before leaving Emory Hospital, a thin but healthy looking Brantly spoke to reporters.With his wife by his side, he fought back tears.Today is a miraculous day, I'm thrilled to be alive, to be well and to be reunited with my family.
