International Order and the Threat of Radical Islamic Terrorism

This week the international community mourns yet another series of terrorist attacks in Istanbul, Dhaka, Baghdad, and Saudi Arabia. While these attacks continue to increase in frequency, some in the international community experience a numbing effect in response to violent and extreme terrorism. Has radical Islamic terrorism become a new international norm? While the ideology and extremism of ISIS spreads around the world like a rampant plague, world leaders find themselves in the midst of an age characterized by the violence and cruelty of non-state actors. The recent series of attacks simply adds to ISIS's quite lengthy resume of brutality - its most notable attacks this year including Brussels, Orlando, Istanbul, and Baghdad. Although ISIS has lost some territory in pursuit of its Islamic caliphate within the last twelve months, its aspirations for wreaking terror on innocent civilians continues to characterize its barbaric and ruthless ideology.

Meanwhile, the current Obama administration exhibits the qualities of a disinterested regime. One must wonder just how far-reaching and devastating ISIS activities must become in order to provoke a strong western response. No signs point towards a de-escalation of ISIS brutality. More attacks in the near future seem likely, if not certain. The growth in ISIS terror has resulted in far-reaching consequences - the refugee crisis, European homegrown terrorism, and the vulnerability of Schengen borders and immigration. Britain's recent Brexit vote is the latest consequence, one that could lead to stricter immigration laws, but more importantly, the possible break-up of the EU in the near future. As evidenced by the long list of consequences that have threatened world order, it seems clear that current administration policies are not only indifferent, but also ineffective. Only through strong leadership and NATO cooperation can the West confront and minimize the existential threat of radical Islamic terrorism.

Dr. Saeed Ganji President, Chairman National Union for Democracy in Iran