Recently, new trends are observed related to the reduction of the influence of ISIS in the Middle East, mainly in Suria and Iraq. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) retook Raqqa from the ISIS militants and more than 92 percent of the Syrian territory has been already liberated from ISIS. Terrorist attack shook the Saudi Arabia while Saudi King Salman visited Russia. It is interesting what is really happening in the Middle East, what is to be expected from the further actions of the ISIS militants? These and other questions are answered by the former US ambassador to Yemen under President Barack Obama, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs Gerald Feierstein.
- Why did the ISIS leaders decide to change tactics and call on the supporters "not to go to Syria and Iraq, but to stay in places of residence to strike point shots and conduct demonstrative terrorist attacks against civilians"?
- Clearly, ISIS was losing ground in Syria and Iraq and recognized that the "lone wolf" attacks it had inspired, especially in Western Europe, were more effective. It has apparently decided to emphasize that element of its operations.
- What are the threats posed by the creation of the new terrorist network of the ISIS, and which countries are at risk?
- As we have seen, "lone wolf" attacks are extremely difficult to prevent, even when the perpetrators are known to security authorities as extremists, and relatively easy to carry out. Therefore, the risk is that we may see many more of these kind of attacks. There is no country that is immune from this threat.
- The Central Asian countries express particular concern over the activation of the ISIS, especially in view of the acute situation in Afghanistan. What threats for the region can be expected by the ISIS changing tactics?
- Like the rest of the world, Central Asian states are vulnerable to these attacks.
- How effective are international measures to counter new challenges emanating from representatives of international terrorism?
- Since many of the attacks are undertaken by individuals already in the country, some who have been there for many years, international cooperation is limited. Nevertheless, intelligence sharing and cooperation among law enforcement authorities is important.
- As you know, King Salman went to Russia and met with Vladimir Putin. After the meeting with him, an attack occurred on the king's residence. How can you explain this? What is the reason?
- I don't believe there is a likely connection between the visit by King Salman to Russia and the attack on his Jeddah palace. The likely explanation relates to domestic developments in Saudi Arabia, the crackdown on extremism there, and the response to Saudi counter-terrorism programs in the region.
