Isis Recruitment is in Overdrive; Secrets to their Success
Isis Recruitment is in overdrive, what is the secret behind their success one year on…..
Peter R. Neumann director of the International Study for the centre for the study of Radicalisation stated that “The secret of IS’ success has been their success”, which is a resounding statement accurate in any sense, the current number of foreign fighters pledging their support to ISIL or ISIS is estimated to be around 13,000 these figures have been collated from organisations such as Soufan Group and the CIA. The rising numbers of foreign fighters making this perilous journey in order to join the newly emerged so-called Islamic state haven't been witnessed in such great numbers since the 1980’s Afghan conflict.
Only last week there was a meeting in Fallujah where Sunni tribesmen from the Anbar region in Iraq met to pledge their allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The Sheikhs and tribal leaders declared the allegiance in a statement read by the influential Sheikh Ahmed Dara Al-Jamahiriya; it has not yet clear whether ISIL forces had forced the tribes into allegiance, as ISIL fighters control most of Anbar and Fallujah province. The statement was a very strong worded document addressing their anger with the Iraqi government, which sent a clear message, "It said the only way that peace would come to Anbar province is if the tribes joined ISIL."
In Iraq, ISIL took advantage of the growing frustrations of Sunni Muslims with the Shia led government to recruit more fighters. There are a growing concern and question why is that 70% of ISIL fighters are Iraqis and less than 20% are Syrian, some point to the years of the sectarian government of Al Maliki creating the polarisation effect, the newly formed governance of Fuad Masum presents little change.
Therefore, how is this jihadist movement able to spread its venomous ideology so strategically, the recruitment power is immense; since the conflict began ISIS has lost 10,000 fighters however all of them have been replaced. The upsurge in foreign fighters joining jihadist groups in Iraq and Syria was influenced by two events, firstly Syrian conflict created an existential threat that was felt by Sunnis, and an effective mobilisation tool also triggered by the demise of hope that was fuelled by the failure of the Arab Spring. The motivation of fighters isn’t simply monolithic; many male fighters are spurred on by the promise of adventure and brotherhood, a recent social media campaign aptly titled 5 Star Jihad, aimed at delivering the cool factor.
Isis cheerleaders have been able to fire off thousands of tweets hailing the promise of the militia group, which puts the PR of other insurgencies to shame. The accounts receiving the most notoriety online is not that of the official account of ISIL but a cleric in his 40’s from Dearborn Michigan. Ahmed Jibril has been so effective online he has managed to become a role model with his carefully worded preaching that does not obstruct what is considered legal in regards to free speech.
This wave of brutality has led to ISIL gaining major control of control of two cities in the last week Ramadi in Iraq which is 100km from its capital, in Syria Palmira a historic epicentre of pre Islamic configurations and only 150km from its strategic capital Homs a means of survival for the Syrian government. In Syria the issue is of major concern as there are warring elements of leadership, therefore if the Syrian government lose further control the coastal region of Damascus would be under threat.
The coalition against ISIS led by United States is grappling for ideas on how to strategically put a stop to ISIS gaining further ground. The threat of ISIS infiltrating into Europe presents a further worry for the international community, as the ease to which these operatives move is significant. They have recently captured the Tanf crossing between Syria and Iraq therefore Isis fighters can move freely. The United States plays down the setback, Barack Obama referring to the setback a tactical problem and by no means a sign that the war is being lost but many would disagree.
In the past Isil was on the defensive however that has now changed with the group’s significant developments. The Obama administration may be dealing with its most complicated struggle as the administration faces a grave challenge in trying to defeat ISIS whilst not dragging the United States into a prolonged conflict.
The succession of successes within the Islamic State leads to more brutality and the fear in the Iraqi soldiers is immense, therefore they will not continue to defend and carry on the fight. The level of brutality is a threatening tool that has fuelled ISIS control, the fear of getting beheaded or shot in the head has been an effective fear tactic instigated by the militant group. Syria and Iraq two countries where fighting is escalating and no end in sight to the sectarian divide, a divide that plays into the hands of Isis.
The insurgency has laid barriers around Mosul, controls every aspect of civilian life to the extent of deciding what women can wear and the movement of people. The Kurds will not advance towards a Sunni Arab city as that will cause sensitivities for them and they will only play a supporting role. Therefore, there is no end in sight, if the international community does not create a strong and strategic counter narrative to rebuke the radical group we are playing right into their hands, and the cheerleaders will continue to grow and tweet the extremist rhetoric.