Publication

This paper argues that the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham’s (ISIS) strategic narrative includes three key elements that the West should take into consideration when developing counter measures against the group. These include 1) ISIS’ track record of announcing its future plans publicly ; 2) the expansionist attitude of the organization and how it uses it to maintain support; and 3) its desire to transform from a local into a global entity. The author then argues that the West should refrain from focusing on building a counter-narrative against the group as a way of fighting it as such a measure will be disregarded by the Muslim public. It should instead focus on assisting the security sectors in the countries into which ISIS could expand.