Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIS) has clearly weakened in the past year, according to the London-based International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS). According to Emile Hokayem, senior fellow for the Middle East at IISS, IS has lost strength in terms of arms, territory and the flow of foreign fighters. But it still poses a threat, according to the latest Strategic Survey published by the organisation.
“ISIS is less defending clear state lines and more a guerrilla movement mounting attacks at home and abroad,” said John Chipman, IISS director-general and chief executive, at the latest Strategic Survey launch on 27 September. “It’s likely to do as much damage when losing as when winning, including in Europe.” The prognosis for the main battlegrounds in the Middle East is also bleak. “It’s very difficult to predict an improvement” in any of the main battlegrounds in the region, from Libya and Syria to Yemen and Iraq, says Mr Hokayem (see map). (CONTINUED - 466 WORDS)
