Editor,
Throughout the last year we have been constantly bombarded by the media talking about ISIS, but how many people actually understand why ISIS is different? I’ve come to the conclusion that most people at UNM don’t even understand why ISIS is different than any other terrorist organization. We’ve been at war in the Middle East for a very long time fighting an insurgency known as the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Many people may think that Al Qaeda and the Taliban would join the ISIS movement, but the Taliban have already released statement’s saying that ISIS is too extreme and have declared war on them, even sending a suicide bomber to kill a high level ISIS leader.
So let’s began at looking at ISIS financially. ISIS is a well-funded organization much like Osama Bin Laden funded Al Qaeda. They receive most of their funding from captured oil, which they in turn sell on the black market. They also benefit from donations coming from wealthy Sunni’s. One thing that you may notice in the media is that ISIS is driving around in American Humvees and shooting American weapons. Most of the conspiracy people would look at that and say we are funding ISIS, but in reality ISIS stole their equipment when they defeated the Iraqi military in the many battles they have been involved in. When we pulled out of Iraq we supplied the Iraqi military with American equipment all the way from tanks and fighters to rifles. Now the billions in American equipment are in the hands of ISIS.
The next main difference is their recruiting strategies. The level of recruiting and propaganda they have released has exceeded every terrorist organization before them. The Taliban would release grainy cell phone videos, but ISIS releases Hollywood style videos that are seen on every social media platform. These Hollywood style videos appeal to young extremists around the world and are helping swell their ranks.
The videos also call for lone wolf attacks around the world; something that appealed to the San Bernardino husband and wife and contributed to their shooting spree. There is an estimated 500 men from the west that include the United States who have joined ISIS. Their propaganda also contributed to their victories against the Iraqi Army defeating two Divisions of 30,000 men with only 800 fighters. The hour long killing videos ISIS has released has scared a lot of their enemies into retreating or surrendering all together.
Zachary Cooper
UNM student
