When the Islamic State’s leaders declared the formation of a caliphate, they opened a new phase in global jihadism. It is shifting tactics. ISIS carried out 50 to 60 suicide attacks a month in Iraq & Syria last Nov. Today the number of such attacks is 80 to 100 per month, peaking in March. Hundreds of civilians were killed in a spate of suicide attacks in Turkey, Iraq, Bangladesh & Saudi Arabia. In Baghdad,, 280 civilians were killed by car bomb. Is this is a sign of desperation and weakness? NO, it demonstrates its strength and long-term survival skills. ISIS has always known it would suffer setbacks and need to adapt. The 2004 “The Management of Savagery,” a foundational text for the ideology & strategy OF ISIS,pointed out that in the 12th century, Muslims defeated the Crusaders with “small bands” and “separate, disparate organizations.” The group has not forgotten that message.
At www.nytimes.com
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