| IN the last few years, there has been a dramatic rise of a seemingly new type of polity: the Islamic rebel state. Boko Haram in West Africa, the Shabab in East Africa, the Islamic Emirate in the Caucasus and, of course, the Islamic State in the Middle East, known as ISIS, or ISIL -- these movements not only call for holy war against the West, but also use their resources to build theocracies. Today's jihadist statesemerged at a time of crisis, and ruthlessly confront internal and external enemies. They oppress women. Despite the groups' ferocity, they have all succeeded in using Islam to build broad coalitions with local tribes and communities. They provide social services and run strict Shariah courts; they use advanced propaganda methods.We need to recognize what these groups really are and must be understood in the context of Islamic history. |
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