Radio Atlantic ISIS Never Really Went Away
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Dec 18, 2025 Graham Wood, a staff writer and expert on jihadist movements, delves into the persistent threat of ISIS, explaining how it continues to inspire violence worldwide. He discusses recent deadly attacks linked to the group in Syria and Australia, highlighting their evolving tactics and recruitment strategies, particularly in the Philippines. Wood emphasizes the connection between world events, like the Gaza conflict, and ISIS's ability to motivate isolated actors. Despite the loss of its caliphate, he argues that ISIS's simple ideology still resonates with many, fueling ongoing local terrorism.
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ISIS Persisted Beyond The Caliphate
- ISIS never fully disappeared after losing territory; its networks and ideology persisted worldwide.
- Graham Wood says the group morphs from governance to insurgency and remains dangerous in different forms.
Reporting From Mindanao
- Graham Wood reports visiting Mindanao in 2016 and finding active ISIS-linked groups and military counteroperations.
- He observed villages temporarily or permanently under ISIS influence and ongoing violence despite later government claims of elimination.
Two Operational Modes
- ISIS operates in two modes: governing territory and insurgent attack.
- Since losing the caliphate, it mainly acts as an insurgency providing military-style training and direction to affiliates.