ISIS: Is the Caliphate Cracking?

There are signs of internal dissension within the self-proclaimed Islamic State. But even if it is in partial retreat, it is a likely threat in the Middle East—and to Western interests—for years to come.

by Maha Yahya, Rod Nordland, Christopher Gunness, Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, and Wayne White

published by

KCRW’s To the Point

on April 9, 2015

Source: KCRW’s To the Point

The losses of Kobani in Syria and Tikrit in Iraq are being taken as evidence that the so-called Islamic State is in trouble. Its revenue is reportedly drying up, and untrained recruits are replacing experienced soldiers. But ISIS still is spreading terror.

Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi is due at the White House on Tuesday, and it’s all about the war against ISIS, the so-called Islamic State. Last year, ISIS looked like the world’s most dangerous terrorist group—intent on restoring the Caliphate that once ruled all Muslims. Unique for extreme brutality and brilliant Internet propaganda, ISIS forced the United States and Iran into an unlikely coalition against it. Now, ISIS is losing captured territory, its sources of money and even competent soldiers. There are signs of internal dissension. But even if it's in partial retreat, it’s a likely threat in the Middle East—and to Western interests—for years to come.

Guests:
Rod Nordland, New York Times (@rodnordland)
Christopher Gunness, United Nations Relief and Works Agency (@ChrisGunness)
Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, Middle East Forum (@ajaltamimi)
Wayne White, Middle East Policy Council (@middleeastinst)
Maha Yahya, Carnegie Middle East Center (@CarnegieMEC)

This apperance was originally broadcast on KCRW’s To the Point.