Former head of IDF Intelligence Amos Yadlin on Wednesday expressed a contrarian opinion on the dangers of the terrorist group ISIS, responsible for the beheadings of two journalists, as well as thousands of “infidels” in Iraq and Syria who do not subscribe to their particular brand of Islam. According to Yadlin, there's nothing to fear from ISIS.
Speaking at an Ashkelon college Wednesday, Yadlin said that despite the shocking videos the group released showing the beheadings of journalists Steve Sotloff and James Foley, “there is no real reason to fear. ISIS is very good at media relations, and using the media to frighten people. They murder their captives in a shocking manner in order to get media attention.”
With that, Yadlin said, “their only successes have been in areas that no one else is interested in, and hence where no one will fight them. These include the Sunni areas of northeast Syria and the less developed areas of Iraq. They cannot fight forces in large Shi'ite cities.” The residents and armies in places like Karbala and Baghdad are far more motivated to oppose ISIS than in a place like Tikrit, which ISIS does occupy, Yadlin said.
The IDF would have no problem taking on ISIS, Yadlin said. “Israel Air Force fighters would have an easy time targeting the trucks ISIS people are driving around the desert. It would be easy to eliminate them, much easier than it was to deal with Hamas terrorists hiding in Gaza hospitals.
“Until now, ISIS has not really caused anyone important any major damage,” Yadlin added. “The moment they do they will see that they are not undefeatable.”