kdancer's blog

May 7, 2015

Final Blog Post

Filed under: Uncategorized —— kdancer @ 12:14 pm

Over my 10 weeks of research I have discovered a lot about my subject, reading about many different perspectives on what ISIS is and how to go about dealing with their influence and acts of terror all over the world. My research started with compiling information about the radical group themselves and evolved into their goals, finally ending in how major superpowers perceived this threat and what tactics were being used to deal with ISIS. In this final post I will be reviewing information I have collected throughout the semester and drawing conclusions on several topics including perspectives on globalization and ISIS’s significance to the Arab spring. But before I do that first I must clearly define ISIS and its goals. ISIS is a jihadist organization that aims to form an Islamic state (caliphate) over the region stretching from Turkey, to Syria, to Egypt, to Jordan and to Lebanon, if not beyond. The group, formed circa 2000, has had many names and iterations, including, most recently, as al-Qaeda in Iraq. The group rebranded itself in 2013 adopting a new name that reflected a more ambitious objective. In February 2014, al-Qaeda expelled ISIS after rejecting al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri’s demand that it restrict its activities to Iraq. ISIS threatens to dismember Iraq and create a Sunni Islamist state that could launch military operations at other neighboring states, including Lebanon and Jordan. The ascendancy of this extremist organization has profound implications for the security and stability of the region. It exposes just how fractured and unsettled the Middle East is and threatens to spark a broader sectarian conflict. ISIS is headed by Iraqi-born Ibrahim Awad Ibrahim al-Badry, who goes by the nom de guerre Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Baghdadi is also the self-proclaimed caliph of the Islamic world. He was associated with Al Qaeda as a religious figure early in the U.S.-led war in Iraq, and became the leader of AQI in 2010. Many of ISIS fighters come from the ranks of the Baath Party of Saddam Hussein. Several of Baghdadi’s lieutenants were officers and intelligence officials in the party. Estimates about 12,000 foreigners—as many as 3,000 Westerners—have joined ISIS. Collecting more than ten million US dollars monthly, ISIS is well funded. They make this exuberant amount of money through extortion, the collection of taxes and fees in areas under their control, selling oil from fields it controls, and through looting the homes of people who fled under threat of the militants. ISIS has armed itself with weapons seized from the battlefield in Iraq and Syria. The group has also reportedly received funding from wealthy individuals in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey, and Qatar and then used the money to buy arms on the black market. ISIS is not just a small terrorist group restricting its activity to a small region of the world. They are well organized, well trained, and heavily equipped. ISIS is a real threat to the Middle East and nations abroad.

One of the main points that I found myself researching throughout the semester was the threats that ISIS made on nations outside of the Middle East, including the United States. Through the use of social media ISIS has made many threats on nations in Europe, Asia, and America. An example of one specific threat was towards Rome, Italy where videos were posted of ISIS troops on the beach of Libya calling Italy “the nation signed with the blood of the cross.” The video threat, released with images of 21 Coptic Christians from Egypt who were beheaded in February, warned that Islamic State forces were “south of Rome,” in Libya. At its closest point, Libya is little more than 100 miles from the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Italian officials fear extremists could enter the country amid the growing tide of refugees arriving by boat from North Africa. About 500 extra troops have been stationed to guard symbolic targets in Rome and monitor the streets of the capital for suspicious activity after specific threats were made toward the Leaning Tower of Pisa. ISIS has even gone as far as to publicly threaten the world’s most powerful countries in Russia and the United States. A video was released by ISIS threatening Russia, stating that they would “liberate Chechnya and the Caucasus.” ISIS also personally threatened President Putin in the video. The message of hate to Putin follows his strong support for Assad, without which he is likely to have been toppled. Putin is also loathed by Islamic extremists and terror groups for crushing attempts to set up an Islamic state in Chechnya, and in other mainly Muslim regions of southern Russia such as Dagestan. ISIS’s threats towards the United States are more numerous than any other threatened nation. ISIS has released several videos, tweets, and blog posts about how they have trained troops throughout the United States. They have specifically threatened places like the Mall of America. These threats are real and should be taken seriously; recently there was an attempted attack in Garland, Texas by ISIS loyalist after blogger Pamela Gellar helped plan a Prophet Muhammad cartoon contest. Two armed assailants attempted to enter the function before being shot by an off duty police officer. After the attack ISIS released a statement, “The attack by the Islamic State in America is only the beginning of our efforts to establish a wiliyah (authority or governance) in the heart of our enemy,” the message reads- “Our aim was the khanzeer (pig) Pamela Geller and to show her that we don’t care what land she hides in or what sky shields her; we will send all our Lions to achieve her slaughter.” Seeing that ISIS is a real threat not only in the Middle East, I started to research the reactions and possible solutions these targeted nations, as well as non-state actors such as the United Nations had to these threats.

Many of the nations threatened by ISIS have taken a political realist approach to the threat of ISIS. Military operations have begun to take place, most predominately of all an US led military coalition to remove ISIS influence in Syria. The coalition has grown very large with nations like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan joining the super powers of the United States and Russia. This political realist show of strength is ISIS’s biggest threat to date. The political realist perspective on globalization is the most prevalent in this issue, and in my opinion the only approach towards an extremist group like ISIS. The Islamic state shows no possibility of coming to the table for a diplomatic solution, even more so their terms would undeniably be refuted if they did. This is an interesting case when it comes to perspectives on globalization because ISIS is not a small unorganized terrorist organization, but it is also not a full formed body like a state. It is an ambiguous being with unclear goals that far outreach its capability. The only way to handle an enemy like this is through force. In my research I found some instances of US political theorist stating that the US should not have involvement with ISIS at all, but to leave the action to non-state actors like the United Nations. This is what I would describe as a cosmopolitan perspective on globalization, in that there is no need to further conflict by state military action, but rather let worldwide organizations attempt to quell the efforts of ISIS. In Controversies of Globalization, Charles Duelfer states that there is a need for military intervention when it comes to terrorist groups like ISIS. That if these threats are not answered then organizations like this will continue to spread their influence to unstable nations like ISIS has done with Syria. The Islamic state has definitely shown signs of rapid expansion and seeing the actions that the US has taken, as well as other members of the coalition against ISIS, it is safe to say that they agree with Mr. Duelfer. Contemplating what ISIS is and taking into account the many different opinions and perspectives of globalization, my conclusion is that the route in which states like the US are taking in a joint military effort is the best one. If this circumstance dealt with a solid state with clear borders then a diplomatic solution, a more political liberalist or cosmopolitan approach could be possible, but in this specific instance political realism is the only plausible solution.

Connections between ISIS and the Arab Spring are definitely apparent and worth discussing in my final post. Now remember ISIS is not a subsequent action of the Arab Spring, it has been around long before 2011, but the movement for Islamic liberty has definitely had an effect on the Islamic state. ISIS was revitalized by the events of the Arab Spring, as governments were toppled, dictators removed, and a need for leadership present ISIS expanded rapidly, aggressively taking territories in confusion after the Arab Spring. ISIS used the spring’s emphasis on religion to increase recruitment drastically. An organization like ISIS with its beliefs deeply rooted within a religion controlled and unified state could not have asked for better conditions in which to force its influence on the masses. In the Arab Spring’s wake, Egypt and Tunisia disbanded the security structures that had helped keep jihadists in check, and freed many Islamist and jihadist political prisoners. In Libya, parts of the country fell entirely outside government control, providing openings for violent terrorist movements. ISIS used this chaos to exponentially increase their size and power.

Reflecting over the past semester of research and information learned in class, I have developed the tools necessary to gain a good understanding about the underlying nuances and broader picture when concerning topics like ISIS. I have come to the decisive conclusion through my research and reflection that the circumstances under which ISIS has been able to push its influence as the newest Caliphate could not have been more ideal. That an organization like this one not only causes chaos in order to achieve its goals, but feeds off it as well. Unlike a state, where chaos is detrimental, ISIS with its fluid form and only boundary being religion can grow under conditions that a state cannot. Therefore it is on the shoulders of states not drastically affected by the Arab Spring to handle this extremist organization. As I stated before the political realist actions taken by the US and members of its coalition are the only way to combat a thing like ISIS. I have enjoyed my research and time doing this assignment, taking with me a broader knowledge and perspective on the Middle East.

Kelsie Dancer

April 13, 2015

Blog Post 10

Filed under: Uncategorized —— kdancer @ 5:35 pm

ISIS fighters

Seeking Political Solutions to the ISIS Crisis

https://thebluereview.org/seeking-political-solutions-to-isis-crisis/

The current situation begs an important question: What can the U.S. gain from the intervention outlined by President Obama? Looking to the scholarly literature, one thing is clear: few Americans will benefit personally from the U.S. involvement in defeating ISIS. The way forward in the quest to provide stability and peace in Iraq is rooted in a political solution, not the use of violence. Statements that paint a picture of good and evil and a necessity to ‘destroy’ ISIS understate the likelihood and complexity of the political situation in Iraq, radical Islamists and the known costs and benefits of military intervention. Is there a better way to intervene with ISIS rather than send more American troops overseas to die? Is there a diplomatic solution?

 

A Military Campaign Alone Is Not the Solution to ISIS

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/09/15/does-the-us-have-allies-it-needs-to-fight-isis/a-military-campaign-alone-is-not-the-solution-to-isis

ISIS is only one symptom of a deeper problem in the Middle East. After ISIS, another terror grouping will emerge. The region’s many problems require new thinking, and new regional answers. Unification of the Middle East helps rebut the notion that only a caliphate is the answer to Muslim problems. An EU-version of leadership in the Middle East helps create prosperity for a region filled with high unemployment and low capital for entrepreneurial investment, but this also offers a better narrative than the radicals. Unless we think differently and for the longer term, then we will continue to be on the defensive in fighting jihadists. American leadership is needed to show the Middle East how a better future can be attained through political unity, religious pluralism and free-market capitalism.

 

These two articles paint the larger picture behind the ISIS problem, the military efforts will not be enough to quell the unrest in the middle east. If ISIS is weakened enough that they have to disband another group will soon emerge from the ashes as ISIS did. There needs to be diplomatic solutions to this violent question rather than just pure force. How can intervening countries ensure that peace will last in the middle east for years to come, and not just keep delaying the inevitable. It is like the Egyptian removal of its president, without proper structure in place another extremist group will rise to power in spite of efforts for world powers.

Blog Post 9

Filed under: Uncategorized —— kdancer @ 5:01 pm

Russia will stand its ground despite ISIS threats

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/world/2014/09/08/Russia-will-stand-its-ground-despite-ISIS-threats.html

The regions of special concern are Chechnya, Dagestan, Kabardino-Balkaria, Ingushetia and the Republic of Tatarstan. These are republics with a large Muslim population, which have always been attractive places for the terrorists and extremists of every hue. The security services are working hard to prevent the spread of extremism into these areas. Russia lives under the permanent threat of an extremist explosion inside its borders. The spread and strength of ISIS is a direct threat to the internal stability and security of Russia. Contrary to what was said by the ISIS fighters, this is not about threatening “Putin’s throne,” but about endangering the peaceful daily lives of Russians. The tougher and stronger the external threat, the stronger Vladimir Putin’s position inside the country will be.

 

Up to 1,700 Russians Fighting for ISIS, Says Head of Secret Service

http://www.newsweek.com/1700-russians-fighting-isis-says-head-russian-secret-service-308206

As many as 1,700 Russian citizens could be fighting for jihadist groups in Iraq, Russia’s head of federal security (FSB) has said during a U.S.-chaired summit against violent extremism in Washington DC, Russian news service RIA Novosti reported today. “We need to invigorate our efforts to prevent these departures and alongside other countries we need to do all that is necessary not to allow terrorist threats or attacks once these citizens return,” Alexander Boratnikov, director of the FSB said. “At present there are 1,700 Russian citizens in Iraq and this number has practically doubled since last year,” the security chief added, estimating that around 20,000 militants from 100 different countries have been recruited for groups in Iraq and Syria such as ISIS.

ISIS is a threat to another Super power in the world, Russia. Not only is Russia receiving threats like the US, but its close proximity to the Middle East is a big problem for its citizens. Also a large number of Russian civilians have enlisted to fight for ISIS making the treat a real one to Russia, the enlisted could easily slip into domestic territories and cause mass destruction. Russian leaders hope that a newfound coalition, that includes the US, may be a solution to the treat that is ISIS. Political Idealist support the military efforts in the belief that a strong military presence is the only action that can prove useful.

Blog Post 8

Filed under: Uncategorized —— kdancer @ 4:45 pm

ISIS: A Threat Well Beyond the Middle East

http://thediplomat.com/2014/07/isis-a-threat-well-beyond-the-middle-east/

The threat of Islamic militants deploying terror tactics across Southeast Asia is making an unwelcome comeback. Driven in part by the relentless drive into Iraq by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the threat has already emerged in Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines.Authorities in these countries fear home-grown Islamic militants in league with Baghdadi and his Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) will return and plot their own caliphate, not unlike Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) did when it launched its own terror campaign in league with al-Qaeda more than a decade ago. Arrests have been made in Malaysia amid reports that four new terrorist groups have emerged to stake a claim over much of mainland Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, recruitment for ISIS and its vitriolic anti-Shia campaign is occurring through social media outlets, including Facebook. One analyst pointed to Lotfi Ariffin, who has 24,796 followers and was a member of Malaysia’s hardline Islamic party PAS.

 

Near ISIS Threat

http://www.bjreview.com.cn/world/txt/2015-03/02/content_671523.htm

The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), although currently limited to fighting in north Iraq and east Syria, has managed to gain the support of Muslim extremists from across the world–igniting a trend that threatens to expand their jihad outside the confines of the war-torn Middle East. Not limited to the West, ISIS extremists have also shown activity in Central Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia, reminding all governments in these regions to stay alert to the spreading ISIS threat. Russian media reported in late January that ISIS plans to spend as much as $70 million to open a second frontline in Central Asia. It is estimated that more than 1,000 Central Asian militants are fighting with the ISIS group in Syria and Iraq. In a sign that ISIS has successfully penetrated into these countries, the flag and slogans of the group have appeared in places such as Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan. The specter of extremism could have a lasting impact on the security situation of Central Asia.

 

This post is an insight on how ISIS may effect Asia in the east. ISIS is expanding in all directions and although US led coalitions have defeated some militants in Syria expansion continues as recruitments for ISIS has started in western Asian countries. Asian leaders have begun to mobilize police forces in the area believing that a political realist stance is the best way to protect its citizens. A strong militant action is needed in order to push the Islamic group out of countries such as Malaysia and back into the middle east.

Blog Post 7

Filed under: Uncategorized —— kdancer @ 4:32 pm

Rome In Danger from ISIS Boatlifts from LIbya.

How ISIS Threatens Europe

http://time.com/3720076/isis-europe-migrants/

The threat posed to Europe by the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS) came closer to home on Feb. 15 when the group released a video showing ISIS militants killing 21 Egyptian Christians on the Libyan shores of the Mediterranean — the same coastline from which each week hundreds of people set sail for Europe. One of the militants points across the sea at the heart of Europe and says: “We will conquer Rome, by the will of Allah.” The spread of ISIS across the Middle East has already had a significant impact on Europe. Unrest has forced record numbers of people to flee the fighting in Syria and Iraq and embark on dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean. In 2014, 200,000 people attempted the sea journey to seek sanctuary in Europe compared to 60,000 the previous year, according to statistics from the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR.

Why Europe should worry about ISIS in Libya

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/isis-in-libya-direct-threat-to-europe/

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) seems to have established a foothold within easy reach of Italy, and there is mounting cause for concern that the group could soon try to use Libya’s coastline as a departure point for Europe-bound operatives. The militant group born out of the chaos of Syria’s civil war and the ongoing security chasm in neighboring Iraq, has proved its presence in North Africa on more than one occasion, but it became the focus of real concern when a video purported to show Egyptian Coptic Christians being beheaded on a Libyan beach. Within such a close proximity to Europe the European Security Council is deciding on how to handle the issue that is ISIS.

 

ISIS’s fast movement throughout the middle east has surprised many and with their growing numbers and arms they become a real threat to neighboring countries including European ones. Foreign involvement to prevent domestic atrocities is a big issue among European leaders. Political realist within the ranks believe that a military assault would drive the Islamic group back to safer distances, while some more peacekeeping leaders belive that this would only enhance their resolve to attack European nations.

Blog Post 6

Filed under: Uncategorized —— kdancer @ 4:19 pm

Iraqi fighters of the government-controlled popular mobilization forces flash the sign of victory as they take part in a military operation on the western outskirts of the Iraqi city of Tikrit, to retake control of the city from the Islamic State group, on March 11, 2015.

10 Reasons Why America Should Let Others Destroy ISIS and End Perpetual Military Involvement in Iraq

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/h-a-goodman/10-reasons-why-america-should_b_6734016.html

U.S. troops have been in combat longer than at any point in American history. In addition to two major wars, U.S. Special Forces were deployed to 133 countries (approximately 70 percent of the nations on the planet) in 2014. It makes little sense to continue with the same tactic of perpetual war, without any assurance of a better strategic outcome. Two deranged terrorists in 2013 caused death and tremendous chaos in Boston, yet they didn’t get their orders from ISIS. To assume that another Iraq war will keep us “safe” doesn’t address the nature of terrorism or the nature of failed wars. Therefore, below are 10 reasons why continuing with the same approach is not only the definition of insanity, but also fails to take into account what we’ve learned from the previous Iraq conflict.

 

What can the United States do against ISIS in Syria — and could it work?

http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/28/world/meast/us-options-syria/

If the United States is serious about thoroughly defeating ISIS, it mustsomehow, some way go through Syria. But how? And in what way? Those are the big questions now, as President Barack Obama weighs what to do inside the war-ravaged nation where ISIS leaders are based and where the Islamist terror group rose to prominence. Obama ceded that “we don’t have a strategy yet” for what to do about ISIS inside Syria, with a senior administration official adding that a decision is “a week or so” away. What can the US do about ISIS? they could send in ground troops, but the steep cost are prevalent in past cases like Afghanistan. Is there any way that the US can intervene?

In this post I went in on how the US can help with ISIS, or even if they should. Some political realist believe that a strong military presence is the only way to combat groups such as these. Others such as political Idealist belive that a strong coalitaion of nations could be enough pressure to turn away  the ISIS threat. And some Radicalist belive that no intervention is needed at all. Whatever the case, whether it be ground troops or to turn a blind eye the US must take a stance on ISIS.

Blog Post 5

Filed under: Uncategorized —— kdancer @ 3:33 pm

isis-yazidi-shrin0205.jpg

U.N. panel details ISIS abuses in Syria, says they amount to war crimes

The U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria based its conclusions on more than 300 firsthand accounts and included photos and videos of violence and victims, a statement said. “Those that fled consistently described being subjected to acts that (terrorize) and aim to silence the population,” said Paulo Pinheiro, chairman of the commission. The United Nations believe that the leaders of ISIS should be brought to justice by organizations such as the International Criminal Court. The acts of terror are not random occurrences but are part of the ISIS organizational policy. That’s why commanders for ISIS, sometimes called the Islamic State, should be held accountable by groups such as the International Criminal Court, the paper said.

UN: Proven Ties Between ISIS and Israel

http://yournewswire.com/un-proven-ties-between-isis-and-israel/

UN observers identified direct contact between IDF forces and ISIS soldiers, including giving medical care to ISIS fighters. Observations even included the transfer of two crates from the IDF to ISIS forces, the contents of which have not been confirmed at this time. Further the UN report identified what the Syrians label a crossing point of forces between Israel and ISIS, a point of concern brought before the UN Security Council. This report from the UN strengthens the claims by the Syrian regime that Israel is heavily involved in operations within the nation.

 

This post focuses on the Investigations of the UN to the Islamic terrorist group of ISIS. I wanted to show what a world wide governmental facility such as the United Nations does in the midst of atrocities that ISIS has committed. Even the ability of the UN to discover the secret alliances that nations have with ISIS. But does the UN have any real power to do anything about the terrorist group and their newfound allies. There have been no sanctions placed on Israel because of their involvement with a group that has plainly broken the laws of combat. Is there a need for more than UN sanctions, or is this enough?

Blog Post 4

Filed under: Uncategorized —— kdancer @ 3:24 am

A fighter of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Tel Tawil village, Syria, February 25, 2

Why Yarmouk’s takeover by ISIS is good news for Bashar al-Assad

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/07/opinions/isis-yarmouk-assad/

ISIS recently took over most of the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp near Damascus. A week before that, a rebel coalition calling itself Jaysh al-Fateh — mainly composed of ISIS rivals Ahrar al-Sham and Jabhat al-Nusra — took over the northern city of Idlib, making it the second urban center lost by the Syrian regime after Raqqa, where ISIS is headquartered. But the two advances are wildly different: While the fall of Idlib is a clear loss for the regime of embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the ISIS takeover of Yarmouk is a regime-blessed tactic, if not necessarily a successful one. And they are both signs that the position of the Syrian regime is not as solid as it used to be. Yarmouk is only 100 kilometers away from Daraa. If ISIS, now in control of the camp, uses it as a base to attack the FSA in Daraa, it would save the Syrian regime from having to fight that battle itself.

 

Dozens of ISIS fighters killed in Syria battle

http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.651314

 

At least two dozen Islamic State fighters have been killed in northeastern Syria in a battle with Kurdish forces supported by U.S.-led air strikes. The violence came as the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees planned to undertake an “urgent mission” to Damascus later Saturday amid concerns over the situation in the Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmouk, most of which has been captured by the Islamic State group. The latest battle between the enemies began when Islamic State fighters launched an attack between the towns of Tel Tamr and Tel Hamis, which the Kurdish militia seized from Islamic State in February. Islamic State is still holding some 200 Assyrian Christians abducted from villages near Tel Tamr in February. There has been no word on their fate.

 

The recent siege of Palestinian camps in Yarmouk has raised a lot of questions about the Syrian regimes ability to govern. Multiple countries including the US have already stepped in to help with the problem, while some say that the Syrian leadership may have let this happen in order to clean up the messes they do not wish to deal with. Not only is ISIS a theoretical threat to Europe and Africa, their rapid expansion through the middle east makes them a real threat to surrounding nations. UN officials have begun to request troops in belief that a strong unified military action is the only way to go.

February 23, 2015

Blog Post 3

Filed under: Uncategorized —— kdancer @ 6:04 am

The first article in this post is entitled “ISIS vow to take over Rome and ‘throw homosexuals off of your leaning tower of PIZZA” Isis made a twitter posting describing how the terrorist group was going to come to Rome and use the Leaning Tower of Pizza as a site to execute homosexuals. This is another example of how this faction shows no sympathy for any person who does not share all of their beliefs.Earlier this year, images emerged that appeared to show militants hurling one man off a building in the town of Tal Abyad in Raqqa as supposed punishment for having a ‘homosexual affair’.This most recent threat appears to indicate the terrorists intend to bring their barbaric practices to Europe – and plan to repeat the horrific scenes off the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The second article in this post is entitled “Defense secretary addresses coming battle against ISIS in Iraq.” The new secretary of defense, Ashton Carter, said Saturday the U.S. may slow down the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. Carter made the announcement during his first trip to Afghanistan as defense secretary. This is in part due to the rising threat of Isis and their growing numbers. The article also speculates that this could just be a ploy to scare the terrorist group from its occupied lands in Mosul.

These two articles speak to the threat that Isis may become more mobile and with that more dangerous. Isis has often threatened to expand its destruction, but the threat is becoming more and more real as the faction grows stronger and tensions rise in the governing bodies that are threatened.

Blog Post 2

Filed under: Uncategorized —— kdancer @ 5:53 am

My first article is entitled “Child Soldiers, or ‘Cubs,’ Shown in Latest ISIS Video.” It is a look into the recruitment and training of young children to become Isis warriors. A new video released by ISIS on Sunday purportedly shows the terror group training children, who can be seen standing in formation, chanting, praying and participating in physical exercises. An instructor in the video indicated that among the group of about 80 youth are foreign children — possibly the children of foreign fighters who have joined the Sunni extremists’ ranks.

The second article I am writing about is entitled “Child soldiers become integral part of Isis’ Army” Across the vast region under Islamic state of Iraq and Syria control, the group is actively conscripting children for battle and committing abuses against the most vulnerable at a young age, according to a growing body of evidence assembled residents, activists, independent experts, and humans rights groups. Isis continues to recruit children by lies and by force.

These two articles paint a very clear picture of the brutality of the terrorist group Isis. The use of children soldiers is a despicable thing. How are soldiers supposed to fight children? This is yet another reason that Isis is a growing threat to the middle east as well as countries like the US.

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