ISIS- Reign of Terror

Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is an offshoot of Al-Qaeda that aims to establish an

"Islamic caliphate" in Syria and Iraq and impose its harsh interpretation of the Sharia

law.

Factors responsible for the rise 

• Belligerence shown by the West following the 9/11 attacks. 
• Marginalisation of the Sunnis in Iraq.
• Hijacking of the Syrian uprising by jihadists.
• Wahhabi Islam provided the ideological fuel. 

Implications of the Crisis

• Sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni would increase leading to political instability in this region.
• Capture and control over oil resources of this region may lead to energy crisis in the world. They had taken control over Iraq's key infrastructure including the Mosul dam.
• Spurt in terrorist activities across the world.
• IS has massacred Shaitat tribe, a case of gross human rights violation.
• IS considers preservation of arts,artefacts,museum etc as a form of idolatry and has destroyed temples and heritage sites. The group has profited from looting such treasures.

Why should India give a damn?

• Energy security of india is under theat as near about 80% oil comes from this region.
• India's 7 million diaspora who contribute $50 billion is spread in the Middle East. 
• Spread of radical ideology in India. Few students from South India have already shown their inclination towards the radical ideology. India came under the radar of ISIS as per a recent statement of the Ministry of Home.
• Organisations like SIMI joining hands with ISIS may lead to spurt in terrorist activities across India.

Way out

• Ramp up Strategic Petroleum Reserve from current capacity of 90 days to 180 days.
• Gather intelligence with cooperation of Gulf allies like Riyadh and Doha with whom India has strategic ties.
• ISIS draws its funding from the Iraqi oil fields that it controls now. This control must be cut-off.
• A peace keeping force by all member nations of UN should be sent to Iraq.

In the words of our honorable Prime Minister, "If anyone thinks that Indian Muslims will dance to their tunes ,they are delusional." He has nevertheless acknowledged the fact that our intelligence agencies need to be vigilant to nip any such activities in bud.