Podcast Summary: "The Return of ISIS: A Global Threat We Can't Ignore?"

Episode Release Date: January 8, 2025
Podcast: The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim
Host/Author: Sky News

1. Introduction: Setting the Stage

Yalda Hakim and Richard Engel kick off the episode with a personal touch, sharing their recent travels and reconvening to discuss a pressing global issue: the resurgence of ISIS. Yalda mentions her time in Syria before heading to Australia for the holidays, while Richard reveals he's currently in Lisbon preparing for an in-depth discussion on ISIS.

Notable Quote:
Richard Engel (00:29): "This is an ISIS trip. All things ISIS. It's back on the menu, it's back on the cards."

2. The New Orleans Attack: A Wake-Up Call

The hosts delve into the recent ISIS-inspired attack in New Orleans, where a former army veteran, Shamsuddin Jabbar, caused significant casualties. They discuss the mechanics of the attack, including the use of a vehicle rammed into a crowded street and the placement of improvised explosive devices.

Notable Quotes:
Yalda Hakim (00:29): "We saw that attack in New Orleans, ISIS inspired and I think it was a wake-up call."
Richard Engel (03:10): "He wanted this to make a carnage and make a statement."

3. Understanding ISIS: Origins and Evolution

Richard provides a comprehensive breakdown of ISIS, distinguishing it from other extremist groups like Al Qaeda. He explains the etymology of ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) and recounts their declaration of a caliphate, outlining their ambitions and the global response that led to the dismantling of their physical territory.

Notable Quotes:
Richard Engel (07:17): "We are Islamic State in Iraq and Sham. Sham doesn't mean Syria. It means Levant."
Yalda Hakim (08:49): "They're a Sunni jihadist extremist organization that sort of came to life off the back of Al Qaeda."

4. ISIS vs. Al Qaeda: A Comparative Analysis

The discussion shifts to the differences between ISIS and Al Qaeda. Yalda highlights Al Qaeda's long-term strategic approach and higher organizational secrecy compared to ISIS's more immediate, guerrilla-style tactics designed for the internet age.

Notable Quotes:
Yalda Hakim (09:01): "Al Qaeda didn't have the same aspirations for a caliphate the way ISIS did."
Richard Engel (11:24): "ISIS's whole message is, come on, grab a kitchen knife, make a bomb in the kitchen of your mom."

5. The Cyber Caliphate: Online Extremism

Yalda emphasizes the enduring presence of ISIS in cyberspace, describing it as a "cyber caliphate." She explains how ISIS leverages digital platforms and algorithms to recruit and radicalize individuals globally, making their influence pervasive even without physical territory.

Notable Quotes:
Yalda Hakim (05:50): "The cyber caliphate is alive and well."
Yalda Hakim (06:39): "The way that algorithms operate is to ensure that you stay on these platforms... to keep you there for as long as possible."

6. Ground Realities: Personal Experiences in Afghanistan

Yalda shares a harrowing personal experience from southern Afghanistan, where she was embedded with the Taliban. She recounts witnessing Taliban bombers targeting ISIS sleeper cells, showcasing the complex dynamics between different extremist groups.

Notable Quotes:
Yalda Hakim (15:11): "I was embedded with the Taliban... they had used their suicide bombers to go in and target the ISIS suicide bombers."
Richard Engel (17:13): "They have a whole battalion of [suicide bombers]."

7. Implications for the West: Domestic and International Terrorism

The conversation pivots to the implications of ISIS's resurgence for Western nations. Yalda and Richard discuss concerns over international terrorism, domestic terrorism, and state-sponsored terrorism, highlighting the potential for increased lone-wolf attacks and the politicization of terrorism in Western societies.

Notable Quotes:
Yalda Hakim (18:31): "Western officials are now concerned about international terrorism, domestic terrorism, and state sponsors of terrorism."
Richard Engel (21:01): "If it comes back again, it'll have a big impact. We're all going to be in real trouble."

8. Predictions and Future Outlook

Richard provides his predictions for the political landscape, especially in light of Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration. He speculates on potential shifts in international relations, trade policies, and the impact on neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico.

Notable Quotes:
Richard Engel (29:18): "The Trump administration is going to bring enormous tariffs upon the Canadians for no reason when he's unpopular anyway."
Yalda Hakim (30:30): "I'm going to be watching really closely when Trump does come into power, what are some of the first things he will do."

9. Sports and Politics: The Afghan Cricket Team Boycott

Yalda shifts the discussion to the intersection of sports and politics, specifically regarding the Afghan cricket team and its treatment under Taliban rule. She questions whether international bodies like the England and Wales Cricket Board will boycott matches due to the Taliban's oppressive policies towards women.

Notable Quotes:
Yalda Hakim (32:34): "Will the England and Wales Cricket Board boycott a cricket match against Afghanistan?"
Richard Engel (33:37): "Let women have some rights."

10. Conclusion: Looking Ahead and Documentary Highlights

As the episode wraps up, both hosts tease upcoming content and documentaries they've produced on related subjects. They emphasize the ongoing relevance of understanding extremist groups and the need for informed discourse.

Notable Quotes:
Richard Engel (34:09): "Welcome back."
Yalda Hakim (34:53): "I did a film on the same issue just a few weeks after Trump withdrew from Syria."

Final Thoughts

In this episode, Yalda Hakim and Richard Engel provide a thorough analysis of ISIS's enduring threat, differentiating it from other extremist groups, and exploring its multifaceted impact on global security and politics. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, they underline the importance of vigilance and informed policymaking in combating terrorism's evolving landscape.

Additional Resources Mentioned:

• Richard Engel's Documentary: American Betrayal – A deep dive into the complexities of ISIS sleeper cells and their operations.

• Yalda Hakim's Film: A documentary profiling Hevrin Khalaf, an MP who was killed after Trump's withdrawal from Syria, highlighting the human cost of geopolitical decisions.

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