Publication

Many policymakers, intelligence analysts and academics believe expelling the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) from Mosul and Raqqah is the key to the terrorist group’s defeat and the destruction of its self-declared caliphate. Well, this analysis believes that’s only partially correct. ISIL will no doubt seek a next-step safe haven in a “virtual caliphate” – i.e., a safe space that will promote not only ideas, but also action and violence. The analysis concludes by broadly recommending ways to deal with this budding challenge.