The Rise and Future of the Islamic State
The Islamic state is an amorphous group owing allegiance to Sunni Islam. It is a hard line group that believes in a pristine Sunni Islamic state, stretching from Africa, Middle East to India. There is no place for any other form of Islam or any other sect or religion. Considering that Sunnis constitute 80% of the Muslim population, the resources available for recruitment and men is vast. The IS thus generates a tremendous appeal in the Sunni world. For pure believers in the Sunni concept of Islamic state, the IS is like a beacon to paradise.
The IS came into prominence due to acts of commission and omission by George Bush, the US President. For this alone the American people must take him to task. Bush overthrew the very forces that had kept these Wahhabi elements in check. Thus men like Saddam Hussein and Maummar Gaddafi were executed with impunity as well as with a certain degree of glee.
The removal of these men, gave a fresh lease of life to the IS and in a fractured Arab polity, the IS surged ahead. It has captured large tracts of land in Iraq and Syria. It also has a significant presence in Libya and other Arab states.
The IS in all areas summarily beheads non Muslims like Christians and Shias. The non Muslims are just marched to a secluded spot and beheaded. Its a terrible world. Worse is the state of women who have been reduced to the status of chattels, concubines and sex objects. The IS fighters consider it their right to use these women as spoils of war. The IS is now a force and cannot be wished away. The future appears blurry and one can't be sure the IS will be defeated.
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