The Lingering Threat of ISIS: A Decade Later
Ten years ago, ISIS declared the establishment of an Islamic caliphate, marking the beginning of a period of terror and unrest that still haunts us today. At its peak, ISIS controlled significant portions of Syria and Iraq, with various groups in Africa pledging allegiance to its radical ideology. Despite efforts from local, regional, and international actors to combat the group, the remnants of their extremism continue to pose a threat.
One individual who vividly remembers the rise of ISIS is Sheikh Mohammed al-Tamimi. As a fighter against the terrorist organization in 2014, al-Tamimi faced harrowing battles and witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by the group. He highlights how the Shiite forces, alongside Iranian support, played a crucial role in halting ISIS’s advance, dispelling the notion that the US alone was responsible for their defeat.
While the formal end of ISIS was declared in 2019, recent reports suggest that the group still maintains a presence in Iraq and Syria, signaling a lingering danger. The fight against ISIS extends beyond military strategies, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying social, economic, and educational factors to eradicate extremist ideologies.
As we reflect on the legacy of ISIS a decade later, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by radical extremism and the need for comprehensive approaches to build a more secure and peaceful future.