Josie Ensor, a US correspondent for The Times, discusses the alarming resurgence of ISIS following a recent terror attack in New Orleans. She explores why the group is reemerging, despite a prior decline in activity, and evaluates the evolving tactics it employs. The conversation also highlights the FBI's countermeasures and the implications for Western anti-terror policy. Ensor sheds light on the group's operational shifts to Afghanistan and its increasing online presence, all while examining the media's role in shaping public perception of ISIS.
Recent ISIS-linked attacks in the West signal the group's potential resurgence, raising significant global counterterrorism concerns and strategies.
The influence of local agricultural partnerships demonstrates McDonald's commitment to sustainability and quality control in its food production supply chain.
Deep dives
Sourcing Ingredients Responsibly
McDonald's collaborates with over 23,000 farmers in Britain and Ireland to ensure the responsible sourcing of high-quality ingredients for its menu. These partnerships allow the fast-food chain to maintain quality control while supporting local agriculture. For instance, Mike Allward, a dairy farmer from Cheshire, provides organic milk used in McDonald's beverages and porridge. Such relationships underscore McDonald's commitment to sustainable practices and the importance of local agriculture in their supply chain.
Regenerative Farming Practices
Farmers like Becky Berry are engaging in regenerative agricultural practices to enhance biodiversity and soil health. By rotating livestock onto fresher pastures, they not only improve the quality of their land but also create habitats for various wildlife, such as moths and butterflies. This initiative, supported by McDonald's, exemplifies efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of farming while still producing quality ingredients for consumers. Through education and sustainability programs, farmers are empowered to adopt methods that benefit both their farms and the wider ecosystem.
The Resurgence of ISIS Threats
Recent attacks linked to ISIS in the West have highlighted the group's potential for resurgence, prompting concerns about its influence and strategies. A troubling example includes a recent car attack that has rekindled awareness of ISIS's capabilities, which had been relatively dormant for several years. Analysts suggest that while traditional attacks have diminished, plotting and recruitment continue through online channels, particularly in regions like Syria and Afghanistan. The discussion emphasizes the necessity for vigilance and proactive measures, as the complexities of regional conflicts further complicate the global counterterrorism landscape.
After the Islamic State-inspired terror attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day fears are growing that the group is on the rise in the West again. Where has it been? Why return now? And how will Donald Trump respond? The Times' US Correspondent Josie Ensor analyses how IS activity thousands of miles away is dictating anti-terror policy in the West.
The World in 10 is the Times' daily podcast dedicated to global security. Expert analysis of war, diplomatic relations and cyber security from The Times' foreign correspondents and military specialists.