The Banality of Islamic State

摘要

Islamic State introduced itself to most Americans this summer through two infamous beheading videos. They were professionally produced films, released by what U.S. intelligence officials would later call the most sophisticated terrorist propaganda machine they've seen. (On Nov. 16, Islamic State said it had beheaded an American Muslim convert and aid worker, Peter "Abdul-Rahman" Kassig.) But as the group has continued to make gains despite international air attacks in the wake of the beheadings, it's become clear that its sophistication reaches well beyond video production and messaging. It's evident in military operations, such as Islamic State's recent quick conquest of the ancient Iraqi city of Hit in Anbar province through a precision use of suicide car bombers, and in its ability to replicate the operations across the region.