ISIS jihadists

ISIS (The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, a.k.a. ISIL) is a fairly new and rapidly growing Sunni jihadist group. Their goal is to establish a new Islamic Caliphate. It claims to have fighters recruited from all over the world. Their leader, 43-year old Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, is a battlefield commander and tactician. Young jihadis appear to find Baghdadi a more exciting leader than the Islamic theologian Ayman al-Zawahiri who leads al-Qaeda.

ISIS in its short existence since 2013 has already built a reputation for brutality. The group controls many areas in Syria. Torture and summary executions are commonplace. Amnesty International reports that children as young as eight are abducted and imprisoned under cruel and inhumane conditions.

ISIS operates independently from other jihadist groups. Baghdadi refused Zawahiri’s request to have ISIS focus on Iraq and leave Syria to al-Nusra. It is now believed that as much as 80% of Western fighters in the Syrian opposition belong to ISIS.

Tikrit, the most recent Iraqi city to have fallen to the militants, is about 100 miles from Baghdad. Today the U.S. Government pledged “any appropriate assistance” to the Iraqi government against Islamist militants.

The State Department has had no confirmation of news reports that militants were heading for Baghdad, spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a news briefing. “It is a very fluid situation on the ground,” she added. “We are of course very concerned about the deteriorating situation.”

According to The international Organization for Migration, half a million people have fled Mosul fearing further violence.

Iraqi PM Malaki brilliantly noted the country is “undergoing a difficult stage”. He is calling for martial law. He urged the public and government to unite “to confront this vicious attack, which will spare no Iraqi.” Security forces are fleeing. The militants are pillaging army bases and banks.

Operation New Dawn ends. A long malevolent night begins.

Related:

Profile: Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS)

Abuse ‘rife in secret al-Qaeda jails in Syria’

US Pledges to Help Iraq Repel Militants

How ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi became the world’s most powerful jihadist leader

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6 Comments | Leave a comment
  1. Kitten says:

    Because, Obama.

  2. strider says:

    But the presy of the steasy is being nice. Thank-you for this post. “Hard Choices” Hillary would know what to do. Children overwhelming our southern border add cover.

  3. midget says:

    So much blood and treasure spent so that these evil enemies can undo so much good America fought for. It is difficult to stay positive except to know that good does overcome evil.

  4. Patricia says:

    Thanks for this post Pat_S. Of the many offenses this President has committed against America this is at the top of the list. Obama wants to be known as the President who ended two wars. He will be known as the President who surrendered to the worst enemy the world has ever known and the death and suffering by humanity will be unheralded.

    Another reason we must take back our country in 2014 and 2016.

    Caught off guard by al Qaeda uprising, Obama considers more aid to Iraq [Jihadists] http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jun/12/obama-considers-more-aid-iraq-fight-against-jihadi/

  5. strider says:

    Not too late for Bloomberg to head over there in his patent leather loafers with some anti 2A motheras in tow to ban guns and big sodas.

  6. oualdeaux says:

    Hey Urkel, who’s your Baghdadi??

    Never let a crisis geaux to wastrel.

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