Tim: The Threat of ISIS

An astute and critical researcher, Tim is currently engaged with various projects.  In addition to learning game design through GameSalad.com and repurposing a car from which to launch a drone with a fellow IP student, he is currently examining drone operation alongside the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and Islamic State (otherwise known as ISIS or ISIL).  Tim recognizes that the nature of ISIS - along with virtually any other story addressed by mainstream media - depends (in part) upon the news agency (international or otherwise) that a person decides to consult.  Though he encourages the reader to evaluate any story by consulting a variety of sources (such as the links below), this post will primarily utilize information from CNN.com (@CNN).

ISIS, led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (a.k.a. Al-Khalifah Ibrahim), began as a splinter group within al Qaeda.  Its aim, simply stated, is to "create an Islamic state across Sunni areas of Iraq and Syria."  Tim argues that, in some ways, the organization is already operating as a "nation" by instituting independent police and food-distribution networks over its "constituents."  Over the past year, the group has garnered international attention and alarm by the United States for its gruesome executions (including crucifixions and beheadings) as well as its repeated threats to invade America and "raise [the] black flag over [the] White House."

Having examined the uproar concerning drones, Tim believes that Americans need to turn their attention away from these devices.  They need to cease diverting their attention and focus it, as he believes, upon the true threat:  ISIS.  He asks:  "Who are you scared of? The terrorist organization that crucifies, tortures and decapitates people? Or the drones that protect them from you?"

What do you think? Post a response in the comments section below.

For more information on ISIS, please consult this article from CNN, this article from Fox News (@FoxNews), any variety of articles from Al Jazeera (@AJEnglish), various resources provided by the BBC (@BBCWorld), other resources not mentioned here, or the following video interview provided by VICE News (@vicenews):