Concern is again mounting about the radicalisation of young British Muslims, with the news that up to 500 may be fighting in Syria. But despite the gravity of the issue, the public discussion of it is still clouded by lazy stereotypes.
Islamic militant group ISIS has declared a new independent Islamic caliphate in territories under its control in Iraq and Syria.
Today’s extreme violence is not practised in secret, instead its authors seek maximum visibility. But there is more at stake here than propaganda. There is a new grammar of violence emerging, one closely associated with social media, in particular the way we all post photos and videos.
The US has offered “intense and sustained support” for Iraq as they attempt to take back control of areas of the country lost Sunni militants in recent weeks.
Islamist militants and Iraqi forces are engaged in fierce battle for control of the Baiji oil refinery and Tal Afar airport in northern Iraq.