Combining Modern Technology, Political Savvy, and Terror, The Islamic State Grows

World-renowned terrorism expert Loretta Napoleoni discusses the massive enterprise known as ISIS or The Islamic State, as much a political entity as a terrorist group. ISIS has redrawn national borders across the Middle East and subjugated an area larger than the United Kingdom to its own vicious brand of Sharia law. In The Islamist Phoenix: The Islamic State and the Redrawing of the Middle East, Napoleoni argues that Western media misunderstands ISIS, ignoring their new model for nation building and their keen understanding of Middle Eastern politics. 

The Islamist Phoenix

(Courtesy of the publisher)

U.S. bombing is making the Islamic State more powerful, says @l_napoleoni http://t.co/Pspw7RjR3I

— Leonard Lopate (@LeonardLopate) December 2, 2014

The Islamic State doesn't have the means to carry out major attacks inside the United States says @l_napoleoni http://t.co/Pspw7RjR3I

— Leonard Lopate (@LeonardLopate) December 2, 2014

The Islamic State now controls a lot of water... and 40% of wheat production in Iraq. @l_napoleoni http://t.co/Pspw7RjR3I

— Leonard Lopate (@LeonardLopate) December 2, 2014

This year the central government in Baghdad bought wheat for the rest of Iraq from the Islamic State. @l_napoleoni http://t.co/Pspw7RjR3I

— Leonard Lopate (@LeonardLopate) December 2, 2014

The Islamic State primarily uses US dollars, b/c that is the common currency of smuggling @l_napoleoni http://t.co/Pspw7RjR3I

— Leonard Lopate (@LeonardLopate) December 2, 2014