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The Islamic State Is Still on the Rise
(Washington Post) David Ignatius - In the 18 months that the U.S. has been working to "degrade and ultimately destroy" the Islamic State, it has grown to become a global force that can strike targets in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The "caliphate" that in June 2014 was localized in Iraq and Syria now has nearly 50 affiliates or supporting groups in 21 countries. It has declared 33 "official provinces" in 11 of those countries. What seems to engage Obama most is countering the jihadists' narrative that this is a war between Islam and the West. But there's little evidence that his message of outreach to Muslims is checking the Islamic State's growth.