Early Bird Brief

Today's Top 5

1. Pentagon assembles allied nations to plot out next stage of Islamic State fight (Washington Post) Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter will gather defense ministers from allied nations this week to plan what officials hope will be the decisive stage in the campaign against the Islamic State, even as political upheaval and terrorist attacks strain the U.S.-led coalition battling the group.

2. U.S.-Backed ‘Moderate’ Rebels Behead a Child Near Aleppo (Daily Beast) It’s the kind of stomach-wrenching brutality you’d associate with ISIS. Except this time, it’s American-armed rebels who are cutting off a boy’s head.

3. Top U.S., Chinese admirals discuss South China Sea disputes after ruling (Navy Times) The U.S. Navy’s top officer raised U.S. concerns over China’s expansive South China Sea claims in a high-level visit with his counterpart in the Chinese navy.

4. Turkey formally requests extradition of cleric from Pa. (The Hill) Turkey has formally asked the United States to extradite a Muslim cleric it blames for last week’s coup attempt, Turkey’s prime minister said Tuesday.

5. How Race Factors Into West Point Admissions (Task & Purpose) The service academies may not have traditional affirmative action policies, but they are making a major effort to diversify the officer corps.  http://link.militarytimes.com/view/5758843b498e57457960d54e4a6ll.yh6/209a8b53