Iraqis unite in defense

WASHINGTON — The Islamic State's assault on northern Iraq last summer galvanized the country's rival factions to fight a common enemy and halt the militant group's momentum, Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday.

In an upbeat assessment before a White House meeting next week between President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, Mr. Biden said Iraq has gained the upper hand against the group since it seized territory in Iraq and Syria and declared a “caliphate” eight months ago.