The latest Da’ish murder

The latest Da’ish murder

Our world just witnessed the latest horrific murder committed by the terrorist jihadist group who would like to be known as ISIS. But why do we show this murderous group such respect. I blogged last week that the foreign minister of one of our allies, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nayan stated categorically in front of a UN Security Council meeting that he encourages all to give this ‘gang’ of thugs the Arabic abbreviation Da’ish. They hate this acronym, and demand the name Islamic State or IS. But as Sheikh Abdullah says, why should we show them this sort of respect? They are not a recognized Islamic State, they are respecters of none who go against them, and as we saw today, in the murder of Peter Kassig, an aid worker who chose to dedicate his young life to Syrians in need, ISIS deserves global contempt, not respect. Let us change tactics, refuse to give political or moral recognition to these jihadists, and call them Da’ish.

I lived in the UAE for many years, taught at the UAE University where most of my students were Emiratis. One former student, one for whom I have great respect, sent this reply upon being asked about the Emirati reaction to Da’ish:

‘As for ISIS, the reaction from the government was clear with their aerial engagement and the statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He refused to recognize the name "Islamic State" and called on others to simply call them "Da'ish" (abbreviation in Arabic) - something that ISIS members despise. 

It is important to understand that as Arabs and Muslims, there has always been a longing for a union of Arab and Muslim states to create a super-state caliphate - a romance of the past empires. It is also a dream for Muslims abroad and hence the flock of foreign Muslim fighters. This is why groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, Al Qaeda in the early 90's, and ISIS are successful in gathering support. However, this longing has made supporters blind to all aspects, issues, and discrepancies that follow with such groups and organizations.  

Though I can't speak for every individual here in the UAE, I can however say that after speaking to many of my Emirati colleagues and friends, generally, there has been no sympathy for ISIS's cause. Their methods completely contradict the values that we believe are of "The State" they wish to create. There is an understanding that these groups and events are the cause of political interventions, misguided funding of Syrian rebels, as well as legitimate concerns of the Iraqi population. 

I've been following ISIS very closely with interest since I first found out about their serious military capabilities and how they have become an authority in western Iraq (acquiring tanks & such) early in the year. My first impressions were that they were going to be successful in walking into Baghdad; however, when I heard (and saw) the brutality that they inflict on others, I knew there would be a significant resistance. The international and Arab alliance against this group clearly shows that there is no place for such groups in the world today.’

We in the West outside the reach of these jihadists should be thankful that most Arabs and Muslims too despise the actions of this group and that these countries in general choose to support us in our fight against Da’ish.