War on War

The latest announcement of the Department of State designating ISIL-K as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) proves that the endless war on terror is set to continue in the years to come. The media note released January 14 was followed by a series of actions by the Islamic State, most significantly, the destruction of Saint Elijah’s Monastery in Mosul, and Dabiq’s issue 13 rooting for terror. The gist of the news is simple: this war has no end in sight.

The new issue of the glossy English-language magazine produced by the Islamic State includes lengthy praise of the couple who killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California, late last year. It also covers the attacks in France of November 13th where 130 people were killed and over 300 injured. “Let Paris be a lesson for those nations that wish to take heed,” it warns. Dabiq is just one of the many assets that IS has developed over the years. Its significant propaganda machine has been used to great effect in recruiting extremists to join its ranks.

The destruction of Iraq’s oldest Christian monastery has been met with shock and despair by religious figures and heritage conservationists around the globe. Mosul fell to IS fighters along with large swathes of Iraq in spring 2014. In typical terrorist fashion, the 1,400-year-old St Elijah’s Monastery flattening is part of a peculiar synergy. The jihadi group has systematically blown up or bulldozed ancient monuments it perceives as blasphemous symbols of different religions in areas it controls.

In this context, the Obama administration has granted the military new authorities to strike the Islamic State in Afghanistan, signaling a more sustained fight against the extremist group beyond its base in Iraq and Syria, officials said on Wednesday. The legislation, passed under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, had been in limbo for more than a year as Congress debated how much latitude to give the White House in executing operations against ISIL-K. Such decision is central in counterterrorism efforts as the consequences of the FTO designation include the prohibition against knowingly providing, or attempting or conspiring to provide, material support or resources to this organization. While EU and NATO are expected to follow suit; diplomacy will surely find a more difficult scenario at the UN.

ISIL-K is composed primarily of former members of Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban now joining forces in Khorasan. The group announced its formation early last year, and the senior leadership of ISIL-K pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of IS. This pledge was accepted in late January 2015 and since then ISIL-K has carried out suicide bombings, arms attacks and kidnappings in eastern Afghanistan against civilians and Afghan National Security and Defense Forces, and claimed responsibility for May 2015 attacks on civilians in Karachi, Pakistan.

The imposition of sanctions by the United States and its allies against terrorists is an important element of counterterrorism efforts. Designations of terrorists and terrorist groups expose and isolate individuals and organizations, and result in denial of access to the financial system. Moreover, designations can assist or complement the law enforcement actions of other US agencies and other governments.

Ever since 9/11 endless operations have taken place, endless plots have been unveiled in this “war on terror;” bombs struck in Madrid, Paris, Mosul, Benghazi; wars were waged in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Pakistan, Libya; local ground forces were armed, humanitarian efforts were carried, children became orphans and even some of them joined those who beheaded their parents… All of this happened while the lucky ones, the unwanted refugees, fled.

This war on terror, this war on war, this terror on terror truly has no end. Just remember: 25 years ago Iraq invaded Kuwait to avoid low oil prices. One can only wonder what’s in store in Iran, Iraq or Saudi Arabia these days.