Mario Abou Zeid
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Who’s Sending What to Combat IS?
It remains to be seen what role Arab countries will play in combined international efforts to defeat the Islamic State.
Source: ABC Radio National’s RN Drive
Speaking on ABC Radio National's RN Drive, Carnegie’s Mario Abou Zeid said that the United States is attempting to integrate an Islamic State alliance and limit its funding and support for efforts to hunt down Islamic State leadership and fighters. However, Abou Zeid pointed out that in order to defeat the jihadist group, a three-pronged approach must be looked at, one that includes not only a military strategy, but also a strategy for religious and cultural reform.
Abou Zeid warned that the sectarian dimension of the conflict cannot be ignored. If, for example, any Shiite force were to join the alliance against the Islamic State, it would give the jihadist group the justification to present itself as a victim of regional Shiite expansion, and thus, enable the group to recruit more fighters and gain power in the region’s Sunni communities.
This interview was originally broadcast on ABC Radio National’s RN Drive.
About the Author
Former Research Analyst, Middle East Center
Abou Zeid was a research analyst at the Carnegie Middle East Center, where his work focuses on political developments in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
- Lebanese Presidential ElectionsIn The Media
- The Emerging Jihadist Threat in LebanonArticle
Mario Abou Zeid
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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