The “Islamic State” in Iraq: Back to Square One?

Despite being a pale shadow of its former self, the Islamic State group (IS) appears far from having been completely vanquished, or having been limited to a virtual dimension only. Several reports indicate that the group is slowly but steadily recovering its capabilities, stepping up its operations and demonstrating a significant tactical proficiency in Iraq and beyond. Such a situation attests not only to the resilience of the organization, but also to a weltanschauung considering victories and defeats alike as parts of a process inevitably destined to result in the victory of the mujahideen.