Summary
In the book, the author blends his erudition in Arabic ethos and facts on the history of jihadism in a vivacious description. He expresses in depth the complete background and scrutinizes the eschatological and Armageddon ideology that motivates the extremists of ISIS. McCants demonstrates that the greatest reason for ISIS’s military accomplishments was the procrastination of the West since 2012, which allowed ISIS to breed.
He points out that nowadays, it will take a lengthy time to defeat ISIS. The foremost challenge is not military, since overpowering a jihadist state is not sufficient to overthrow jihadism. The West already defeated the power of extremists such as Bin Laden, the ISIS founder, and most Al-Qaeda leadership in the
…show more content…
Moreover, ISIS is an eschatological organization. According to ISIS, Armageddon has arrived. However, ISIS members in its majority do not even comprehend ISIS’ theology; but somehow, they still think that following ISIS is what their god wants. That is part of ISIS mystique. The inspiration for ISIS atrocities and arrogance is religious in nature. ISIS’ is not without an Aristotelian logic; they believe that what they do is reasonable and in accordance to their god. ISIS believes there is an ultimate war between the armies of upright (ISIS with Sharia law) and the armies of wicked (infidels). The West does not intimidate ISIS. ISIS expects confrontation with the West. Their Armageddon will happen through the infidels marching through Syria. Most experts have no idea what motivates ISIS and why they have such charisma in attracting so many …show more content…
First, the Armageddon theme is a main motivator for ISIS. We can help commanders to make decisions in dealing with ISIS. To know that ISIS members are willing to die or kill anyone in order to bring the End of Times might help commanders to better approach ISIS. This book also helps chaplains to better connect and understand Muslim leadership and believers. The author points out that ISIS is a very small and very radical perspective on Islam. That helps against bias and prejudice against most of our Islamic brothers and sisters; moreover, it help us to educate and inform our