The Islamist Phoenix: The Islamic State and the Reshaping of the Middle East

A fundamental contribution to understanding what is happening in the Middle East. Terrorism expert Loretta Napoleoni demonstrates that, although in the picture painted by Western media, the Islamic State appears as a group that is nothing more than a band of murderers in a lucky streak, the organization is actually proposing a new model for creating nation-states. Waging a traditional war of conquest with the aim of creating a modern version of the Caliphate, the Islamic State uses modern technology to recruit fighters and raise funds while mobilizing the population for the day-to-day administration of the new state. Reborn from the ashes of failed jihadist endeavors, the Islamic State has demonstrated a profound understanding of how politics works in the Middle East. It is not just another terrorist network, but a relentless enemy, attuned to the current global disorder. "Ignoring these facts is more than adopting a delusional and superficial attitude—it is dangerous. The adage 'know your enemy' remains the most important thing to consider in the fight against terrorism," warns Napoleoni.