The popular jihadist group Islamic State in Syria (ISIS), known for acts of terrorism beheadings, mass killings, and abductions, has surprisingly found a new target, Russia. However, their approach is not through direct weapons but rather through propaganda tools. ISIS has launched a media campaign using their weekly newsletter, Al-Naba, to slam Russia over the war in Ukraine.
The media campaign refers to Russia as an “Orthodox Crusader” and even appeals to God, asking for Russia’s wars to be bloody. According to the campaign, the war is seen as Russia’s punishment—the wrath of the gods—for its alleged escalation of competition with the United States in its attempt to control Eastern European countries. While Al-Naba seems to have moved on from this topic, other pro-ISIS media groups have continued the discussion.
The question arises: Why is ISIS targeting Russia in this way? While Russia may be a new target for the terrorist group, there is a historical hatred stemming from the Soviet-Afghan War, a decade-long conflict with a bloody legacy. Additionally, recent events such as Russia’s involvement in the Syrian Civil War, where it provided air support to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, and its relations with the Taliban play a role in ISIS’s animosity towards Russia
Russia’s efforts to establish contact with the Taliban and gain access to Afghanistan may also contribute to ISIS’s targeting. The terrorist group sees Russia as an enemy of Islam and wants to incite Muslims by highlighting these social and political problems. While the current media offensive may appear harmless, it serves as a warning and a declaration of intent to go after Russia. It also sends a message to other countries that have been trying to fill the power vacuum in Afghanistan, such as Iran and China, that they may face the anger of ISIS if they succeed.
In conclusion, ISIS’s propaganda campaign against Russia aims to incite unrest, attract supporters, and portray Russia as the enemy of Islam. While the effectiveness of this campaign remains to be seen, it is clear that ISIS is not lacking a goal and may pose a potential threat in the future.
Content created and supplied by: EdwardLadzekpo (via Opera
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