ISIS:Islamic State’s Resurgence and Security Implications
1. What is the Islamic State (IS)?
The Islamic State (IS) is a radical Sunni jihadist group that aims to establish a caliphate governed by Sharia law. It gained global notoriety for its brutal tactics and control over significant territories in Syria and Iraq until its physical caliphate was dismantled around six years ago.
2. What is the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K)?
The Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) is an Afghanistan-based branch of the IS, primarily composed of Central Asian militants. Established in Nangarhar province in 2015, it has become increasingly active, especially after the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
3. Why is the IS considered to be on a path to revival?
Despite the destruction of its caliphate, the IS has continued to carry out terror attacks across various countries, demonstrating its growing terror capabilities. The attack in Moscow, along with other recent incidents, indicates a resurgence in its activities.
4. How does the IS-K recruit members?
The IS-K has been targeting radicalized youths from Central Asia, as well as Afghan Tajik and Uzbek minorities, who are disillusioned with the Taliban’s regime. It uses anti-Russian and anti-Iranian propaganda to attract recruits among Central Asians, Afghans, and Pakistanis.
5. What challenges does the IS pose to regional security?
The resurgence of the IS poses significant security challenges to the Eurasian region, particularly for countries like Russia that host a large number of Central Asian migrant laborers. The group’s ability to strike targets and propagate its ideology underscores the need for enhanced security measures and international cooperation.
6. What measures can be taken to counter the IS threat?
Addressing the IS threat requires a multifaceted approach that includes plugging security loopholes, enhancing intelligence sharing and cooperation among countries, and tackling the underlying geopolitical conditions that allow extremist groups to flourish, such as instability and lawlessness in parts of West Asia and the Taliban’s exclusionary rule in Afghanistan.
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