All the rush by Western leaders to condemn the Islamic State and pronounce it un-Islamic overlooks the very real appeal that it has for many Muslims worldwide, because of its claim to reconstitute the caliphate. Restoring the caliphate is a primary goal of every jihad group in the world. Glibly dismissing the Islamic State as un-Islamic does nothing to blunt this appeal.
“Muslim rebels in Philippines vow allegiance to IS,” by Barnaby Lo, CCTV.com, September 17, 2014 (thanks to Kenneth):
A video is doing the rounds which shows members of the Abu Sayyaf pledging allegiance to the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL. Another armed group in the Southern Philippines, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, has offered its support to ISIL. A few other clips of Filipino Muslims vowing loyalty to ISIL – including one supposedly shot inside a high security prison – have been making the rounds on the Internet. There are reports that about a hundred young Filipino Muslims have joined the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, two of whom were allegedly killed in battle.
The Philippines military has long battled Muslim extremists in the country’s South. The Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group for instance,, has been blamed for some of the deadliest bombings and high profile kidnappings. The question now is whether the rise and influence of ISIL are presenting new challenges.
However, Philippines military says, there is no direct evidence, so far, of ISIL recruitment in the country. If Filipino Muslims have indeed joined the ranks of ISIL, however, it wouldn’t be the first time. In their early years, members of the Abu Sayyaf trained and fought with Afghan militants.
And while at least two radical Western Islamists have managed to enter the country, they’ve been arrested and deported, a sign both the government and analysts say that it may be a long way before ISIL becomes an imminent threat to the Philippines.
Angemon says
For something that “has nothing to do with islam”, the islamic state sure gets around among muslims worldwide…
Champ says
So true, Angemon …
And it’s very troubling that our world leaders are lying by claiming that IS and islam are not connected–they are One in the same; and they continue to spread the BIG LIE that islam is a “religion of peace”. What rubbish! …islam & company bring nothing but hell on earth. Sorry to say that our world leaders cannot be counted for the truth about islam & co.
ralph says
Just another bunch of Wild Donkey’s.
joeb says
When will the Philippines learn? Didn’t they realise their invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan would only anger muslims, and the….oh….wait…er, ….
John C. Barile says
You are closer to the truth than you realize. The Philippines have a contingent among coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Oh, and legislation creating the autonomous region of Bangsamoro is being deliberated by the Philippines legislature; the current government supports it.
paddy says
It really is the free world against these muslim devils