Islamic State is working to defend Mosul, the City it conquered in June. The City stands at the center of the group's aim to carve out a modern caliphate from large parts of Syria and Iraq. A source told Reuters, Islamic State gathered contractors to bid for a project to build a trench around Mosul. Interviews with 11 Mosul residents, several of whom fled this month, reveal how Islamic State has created a police State strong e**ugh to weather severe popular discontent and military setbacks, including the deaths of senior leaders.