Is ISIS Making a Comeback? The Reality is, It Never Truly Disappeared
Recent Events Spark Concern
Following the recent prevention of an ISIS-inspired terrorist plot, orchestrated by a Pakistani based in Canada with the intent of killing Jews in New York on the anniversary of the previous year's Hamas attack in Israel, many are exclaiming, "ISIS is back." However, this interpretation is not entirely accurate.
The Misconception of a Return
The concept of something or someone "being back" implies that they had departed in the first place. This comeback can be anticipated or unexpected, but it is significant nonetheless. In the case of the ISIS terrorist group, it hasn't "resurged" because it never truly disappeared.
The Evolution of ISIS
ISIS has been in existence since the mid-2010s, evolving into its current form after initially being an al-Qaeda affiliate, Al-Qaeda in Iraq. Intriguingly, even al-Qaeda distanced itself from ISIS, viewing it as excessively violent.
ISIS then established what it referred to as the caliphate, covering parts of Iraq, Syria, and Kurdish territory. Over half a decade, the group committed horrific crimes, including beheadings, drownings, burning people alive in cages, mass executions, sexual slavery, and even attempted genocide against the Yazidi religious sect.
By 2019, the caliphate was dissolved, thanks to the efforts of the United States and its coalition partners. The end of these brutal jihadis was widely celebrated.
The Persistence of ISIS
Despite the dissolution of the caliphate, ISIS did not lay down its arms in Iraq and Syria. It continues to regularly execute attacks in both countries. Moreover, the group has given rise to a dozen or more "provinces" in West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, Mozambique, Yemen, Somalia, Afghanistan, India, and Central Asia. These offshoots have killed thousands over the last few years.
ISIS Inspired Attacks
In addition to the group's direct actions, individuals or small cells inspired by ISIS have carried out attacks in France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Plans to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Austria were also thwarted. Even Canada has been targeted, with a recent plot foiled by the RCMP and the FBI.
The Future of ISIS
The wave of ISIS attacks shows no signs of slowing down. The group is likely to continue to evolve and expand over the next few years, and possibly even decades. Its presence in Africa is particularly concerning as the countries affected have had little success in combating these terrorists.
Addressing the Threat
The Canadian government, among others, must take this threat seriously and stop assuming that jihadi terrorism is a problem of the past, replaced by right-wing extremism. Immigration and border agencies must ensure that ISIS terrorists do not gain refugee or citizenship status.
While it's true that other threats are on the rise, such as foreign interference, espionage, and cyberattacks, terrorism uniquely captures the nation's attention like no other act of violence.
Bottom Line
ISIS remains at the top of the threat pyramid and will likely stay there for some time. It never truly disappeared. This article presents the author's views and may not necessarily align with the views of The Epoch Times.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you agree with the analysis presented? Don't hesitate to share this article with your friends and engage in a discussion. You can also sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
