Publication

This commentary focuses on how the violent jihadist group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis transformed itself in 2014-2015 from a local Sinai-based band into a well-organized paramilitary force and Islamic State affiliate that renamed itself Wilayat Sinai. As the text's author sees it, the Egyptian military should be able to exploit the local population, and its burgeoning need to protect itself, to help subdue the terrorist group. Finally, the author discusses the implications of Wilayat Sinai’s rise for Israel, particularly if the Egyptian military fails in its anti-jihadi efforts.