The philosophy of the Islamic State, also known as Daesh or ISIS, is based on the idea that lone wolf attacks can have devastating effects without incurring significant costs. The group believes that by publishing slogans and messages that encourage people to commit crimes, they can inspire individuals to carry out attacks without directly claiming responsibility for them.
In a recent publication on their Azaim channel, which is affiliated with the Islamic State’s franchise in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the group stated that they do not claim every attack that occurs around the world, even if it aligns with their methods and ideology. This is because they receive a large number of messages and emails related to various attacks globally, but they only claim responsibility for those that meet certain thresholds.
The group noted that they are often praised for attacks they have not claimed, and they view this as a unique aspect of their strategy. They also commented on the fact that governments and minorities are eager to establish relationships with them, highlighting the complexity of their situation.
It is worth recalling that the United States has been closely monitoring the Islamic State’s media outlets, fearing that the group’s rhetoric and propaganda could inspire attacks on American soil. The US and its allies have spent millions of dollars trying to suppress the group’s narrative and prevent it from spreading to people around the world. However, the Islamic State argues that the cost of planning and executing some attacks can be very high, whereas the cost of inspiring an individual to carry out an attack through media and propaganda can be relatively low.
The group provided an example of how this can work, explaining that a media operative can record an inciting message in Arabic, which is then translated into English by a supporter and published online. This message can be received by a Muslim individual who is inspired to take action, leading to significant fear and panic. The Islamic State views this approach as an effective way to achieve their goals without incurring substantial costs.