ISIL’s barbarism is at odds with true Islam

ISIL and the appeal of conspiracy theories underplays the reality, writes Ali Al Abdullah. Other views: Obama talks tough on Israel (Mazen Hammad) and Al Maliki must unite Iraq (Al Bayan editorial)

Most members of the Syrian opposition tend to criticise the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) for its rapport with the Assad regime, while some consider it to be subservient to the regime. Such positions typically reflect a political mentality fond of conspiracy theories, throwing all the blame on the regime, wrote Ali Al Abdullah, a columnist in the pan-Arab daily Al Hayat.

Such logic suffers from a systemic flaw and can have the extremely dangerous consequence of foregoing the nature of the intellectual principles that govern the minds behind ISIL and similar jihadist groups.

Political and military affairs leave room for deception, with actors using every means by which to achieve their goals, including those of opponents or enemies. Political analysts illustrate this through maxims such as “My enemy’s enemy is my friend” and “He who is not with me is against me”.

“Creating political and jihadist organisations and operating from within them to serve some political or military plan is an exercise at which the Syrian regime excelled,” argued Al Abdullah.

The Assad regime has successfully employed its resources and expertise in formulating the conflict’s style and managing battles, such as releasing hundreds of jihadist detainees, knowing the role they would play in the conflict, leading battles and committing brutal acts of violence against citizens. Such acts were blamed on opposition groups, tarnishing their image.

ISIL is a serious threat. It bears a “tafkirist” ideology towards those whose religions and ideologies differ from its own. It adopts a political programme based on coercion and compulsion at the tip of its sword, making use of suicide bombers, car bombs and all necessary means.

ISIL’s ideology sharply differs from the guiding principles of the revolution and its main objectives – namely freedom and dignity – and efforts aiming to establish a democratic, pluralistic, just and equal system for all citizens, regardless of their religion, race, gender and their adoption of citizenship.

From such a perspective, ISIL’s practices over the past 18 months have led to the massacre of innocents, deaths of leaders of the Free Syrian Army and kidnappings of Syrian, Arab and foreign journalists, who were beheaded or shot. All accusations levelled against these victims are exaggerated and do not correspond to Islamic penalties, history or jurisprudence.

Lately, ISIL has imposed the Jizya tax and a set of Sharia restrictions on Christians in Rakka, such as amputating the hand of a thief in Aleppo. This reflects a culture of barbarism which is inconsistent with the Islamic values of tolerance and cultural knowledge. It is a way for ISIL to show that it is still strong despite its recent defeats, concluded Al Abdullah.

Unusual tone from US before Netanyahu visit

During an interview with journalist Jeffrey Goldberg on the eve of a meeting in Washington with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US president Barack Obama used unusual and bold language, wrote columnist Mazen Hammad in an article for the Qatari daily Al Watan.

Mr Obama said he would tell Mr Netanyahu that the time to make peace with the Palestinians is running out and that Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas is the most politically moderate Palestinian leader.

Mr Obama’s words gave the impression that he holds Israel, not the Palestinians, responsible for blocking the peace talks, the writer noted. Saying there comes a point when Israel must face difficult choices, he asked Mr Netanyahu: “Do you resign yourself to what amounts to a permanent occupation of the West Bank?”

However, the signs indicate that Mr Netanyahu will not heed to this rare voice of reason coming from Washington. Ahead of his visit to the US, he has vowed to stand steadfast on Israeli interests, adding that Israel has faced a lot of pressure and always managed to prevail.

Addressing Mr Netanyahu again, Mr Obama asked: “If not now, when? And if not you, Mr Prime Minister, then who?” He added that if Mr Netanyahu does not believe in peace, then he should propose a plausible alternative. Mr Obama, it seems, is starting to respond to international anger towards Israel.

It is high time for Iraq to have national unity

Iraq continues to be a land of struggle and tension, with violence at its highest level and politicians dividing the loot among themselves, regardless of the suffering of innocent civilians, noted the Dubai-based daily Al Bayan in its editorial on Tuesday.

Iraqis from the various sectarian and political segments must find common ground to begin reconstruction and bring back stability.

“The terrorism that has been wreaking havoc throughout the country can’t be fought effectively without a united political front that seeks to achieve security and stability and develop the economy,” the paper said.

“The security turmoil that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant has created in Al Anbar province recently jeopardises the unity of Iraq and the safety of its people,” the paper added.

Some have chosen to leave their towns, leaving many people living in difficult circumstances.

In this delicate situation, Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki is required to combine his efforts with other components of Iraqi political life.

Iraqis have endured many years of occupation, violence and an unstable economy. It is time for their politicians to work towards ensuring that the people reap the rewards of their endurance, the paper said.

* Digest compiled by Translation Desk