ISIS influence looms over the west as third beheading video is released

Grief and hesitance hang in the air today, as a third video was released by the radical terrorist group ISIS, showing the beheading of a British Humanitarian Aid worker David Haines. The executioner in the video, named by the media as Jihad John, had also threatened to behead yet another H.A. worker if the U.K does not stop supporting the U.S. in their airstrikes, which begs the question: Why are the airstrikes not working? Just how might the U.S. dismantle this ever-growing terrorist cell?

If you aren’t already aware, ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) is a Sunni (a branch of Islam) militant group with cells in Iraq and Syria. Lead by extremist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS rose to power after the U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq in 2011. Baghdadi gained supporters and followers in Iraq with his discrimination of the Iraqi Sunnis based on Iraq’s economic and political downfall (ominously resembling Hitler’s attack on the Jews in WWII). Along with the Sunnis, ISIS also aim to eradicate other minority groups in Iraq, like the Shiites; and claiming that their religion is the one true religion, and that anyone who opposes their ideals do not deserve to live.  (theatlantic.com)

ISIS currently control almost half of Iraq territories and the northeastern part of Syria. Their series of brutal conquests have left the world in shock, with what could only be described as a clear violation to human rights. Even the terrorist group Al-Qaeda has severed ties with ISIS due to their uncontrollable brutality. With U.N. reports detailing the beheading, executions, crucifying, and raping of thousands of innocent civilians, we can’t help but agree with Al-Qaeda, just this once. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry calls on the world to rally against the ISIS threat, claiming that it is not an issue that we (the U.S.) should face alone. (nydailynews.com)

In an attempt to quell this fire, President Obama had authorized numerous airstrikes on ISIS territories, hoping to hinder their operations. In response to the attacks, ISIS released two beheading videos of American journalists, showing what would happen to more American hostages if the U.S. continues to interfeere in ISIS’s affairs. The third and most recent beheading -with the execution of British humanitarian aids worker David Haines- was a message to the British Prime Minister David Cameron, stating that his death was directly the fault of Cameron for aiding the U.S. in their airstrikes. Now, as the s airstrikes against ISIS hot zones prove ineffective, President Obama feverishly plans the possibly imminent war against the terrorist group.

One reason that ISIS’s influence has been so predominant even in the western world is due to their usage of the power of social media. With postings of recruitment videos and sites with their manifestos, ISIS has managed to enlist countless adults and teens (mostly) to their cause. Preying on individuals that doesn’t fit in society norms, ISIS propaganda aims to invoke emotions of belonging and understanding of that individual. Many Canadians have already been fighting and dying among ISIS ranks, some hit close to home. At least five Calgarians have been identified as the perpetrators of car bombers and guerrilla fighters in Iraq. One Chris Boudreau of Calgary, reached out to Canada, stating, ““We need to reach out to youth before they take that last drastic step of going overseas and getting way deeply involved in the trenches out there.” Chris is the mother of a 22-year-old converter who died in Syria fighting in the name of ISIS. (globeandmail.com)

Outcry of Muslims from all over the world are heard, as they condemn ISIS’s actions and messages, stating that they do not represent the views of their peaceful religion. Closer to home, Muslims from the Muslims community and the Calgary Police meet in order to find out how to root out the poison that has been infecting our young minds.

All over the world, people are finding ways to cope with this coming storm. As a society, we need to stand stronger than ever, and remain adamant to our ideals. Only together can we hope to defeat the evils of this world.