Islamic stateless as dangerous as the is

Islamic stateless as dangerous as the is

The liberation of Mosul and Raqqa is an important turning point in the war against the Islamic State (IS), or Daesh. But the war against terror is far from over. Without territory as well, IS will continue to be a potent threat to the civilised world, which would need to redouble its anti-terror efforts.
The global coalition against terror must focus on its strategy for the day after: rebuild the liberated region, to prevent alienation of the Sunni populace once again. It must focus on defeating allied terror groups operating beyond Iraq and Syria, particularly in Africa and South and Southeast Asia. A stateless Islamic State, bereft of territory to harbour foreign fighters and resources like oil, is still a potent threat. It will try to follow the example of Al-Qaeda, of regrouping in hospitable territory such as Pakistan and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
Yemen, which is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, Somalia, and even Saudi Arabia with its strong Wahhabi leanings, could be other possible destinations. At this juncture, it is incumbent on governments to improve intelligence-sharing and call out countries that have environments permissive to terrorists. IS’ online recruitment and incitement of self-radicalised lone wolves deserve special attention. The rest of the world must also address the political and economic conditions that facilitated the rise of IS in the first place.
A major challenge is that of rebuilding countries ravaged and hollowed out by war and distrust. Most importantly, rebuilding the region must balance the ambitions of the Kurds, Shias and Sunnis. The post-liberation state must ensure that these communities have voice and space in the rebuilding. Failure to put in place a balanced administration will lay the groundwork for IS 2.0.