Learn From ISIS's Successes and Failures

Submitted by Dave (United States), Oct 17, 2014 at 21:40

ISIS may be considered radioactive by its detractors, which is one reason why so many people say that it is not Islamic, but it has been extremely successful, and its success should be studied carefully.

ISIS presents its adherents with a coherent blueprint for life, giving them a sense of meaning and order. It creates a brotherhood with a license to enjoy the fruits of religiously sanctioned criminality: rape, sexual slavery, theft and murder. It is a sort of hybrid between a religious cult and a motorcycle gang, Jim Jones meets the Hell's Angels.

Yet ISIS is fast making powerful enemies and could be totally annihilated.

Some lessons : Gaining a loyal following requires a comprehensive world view that gives people meaning in their lives, a sense of belonging, order, and rewards their allegiance, but that will not wind up making so many enemies that it brings bloodshed, misery and extinction. Coming up with such a positive vision is the real Mideast peace plan.

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