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What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Is ISIS Back? Or Did It Never Leave?

Jan 6, 2025
Colin P. Clarke, Director of Research at The Soufan Group and author of "After the Caliphate," delves into the evolving threat of ISIS. He discusses how ISIS has maintained influence even without a physical caliphate, using decentralized tactics to inspire attacks worldwide. Clarke highlights the complexities of counteracting these threats, exploring a recent ISIS-linked attack in New Orleans and the connections to personal struggles within radical ideologies. The conversation also touches on the importance of U.S. military presence in Syria for intelligence gathering.
32:01

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • ISIS has transformed into a decentralized organization that inspires domestic attacks through tailored propaganda and online recruitment efforts.
  • The ideology of ISIS remains influential despite territorial losses, adapting to capitalize on political instability and global distractions for violence.

Deep dives

The New Orleans Attack and ISIS Connection

The recent attack in New Orleans involved a vehicle deliberately accelerating into a crowd, resulting in injuries and fatalities. The attacker, identified as Shamseddin Jabbar, had connections to ISIS, evidenced by an ISIS flag found in his truck and videos where he pledged allegiance to the group. This incident underscores the continued threat of domestic terrorism inspired by ISIS, highlighting how the group's ideology can influence individuals on a personal level, even if they are not directly connected to ISIS operatives or resources. The detailed planning of the attack, including bomb-making materials discovered at Jabbar's residence, indicates a serious and competent approach to executing a violent agenda.

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