Publication

This article examines how Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has fared during his first year of leadership of the Islamic State one year on from the group's self-proclaimed establishment in March 2015. The author also examines 1) trends in the numbers of foreign fighters joining the group; 2) the failure of the international coalition against IS to defeat the group and how IS used this fact to enhance its image in media activities; 3) how IS has taken advantage of the weakness of central governments in the Middle East; 4) IS' relationship with other jihadist groups around the world; and 5) what the future might hold for IS. Finally, the author looks at what part Israel should play in the international effort against the IS.