Publication

This commentary looks at the claim of Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, leader of the so-called Islamic State (IS), to be a Caliph through a brief examination of the history of the Caliphate, the roles it involved, and how a Caliph was appointed. In general, the author argues that Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi has no legitimacy in his claim and that he does not represent Islam. He also argues that the international media should repudiate his claim.