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.
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Clarke's Early Reaction
- Colin Clarke received a wave of text messages after the New Orleans attack, a common occurrence in his field.
- He and his extremely online research team monitor chat rooms where potential attackers congregate.
ISIS Influence
- The New Orleans attacker, a troubled veteran, had ISIS paraphernalia, suggesting ISIS inspiration.
- This attack demonstrates ISIS's ability to radicalize individuals with pre-existing vulnerabilities.
ISIS Origins and Growth
- ISIS evolved from al-Qaeda in Iraq, controlling a territory the size of Great Britain.
- Their vast resources and recruitment efforts attracted thousands of Westerners.