The Islamic State
The Islamic State (IS), formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), granted filmmaker and Vice News journalist Medyan Dairieh access to their territory for three weeks, this allowed viewers to witness the depraved nature of jihadist extremists.
Terrifying video of executions and men being beheaded in the street illustrates the seriousness of the threat posed by the Islamic State. Militants patrol the streets to ensure their religious standards are being met, and citizens are encouraged to report any transgressors, even if they are family members. One man is detained and instructed to have his wife alter the fabric of her veil, although the request is polite, the requestor is clearly telling, not asking. The enforcers have a significant influence – prisoners who defy the IS laws are overly self-critical, they believe their punishments are God’s will. Disobedience will not be allowed by God or man.
Preaching centers function as meeting places for both young and old individuals dedicated to their faith, they celebrate by raising their weapons toward the sky and singing songs of victory over America and other European countries. As the boundaries between Syria and Iraq are crossed, IS fighters defend their territory, insisting that their actions are God’s will, despite the fact that women and children lay dying and bleeding before them.
Under the leadership of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, a man who claimed to be descended from the Prophet, followers are instructed to surrender everything to him, including their money or lives. Interviews with young men attending a Mosque service illustrate the fundamentalist mindset that is being instilled in the local children, who are as dedicated as their adult counterparts to performing what they believe is God’s will through acts of violence and self-sacrifice.
It’s the adults’ understanding that their hardships lead them closer to their God and that children are supposed to be the “next generation of Caliphate” that will fight Americans and their “infidels”. Those under 15 are sent to a Shariah camp in order to learn about their religion, while older teens are sent to a military camp in order to prepare for combat; however, it’s not uncommon for children as young as 11 to already have a basic understanding of handling weapons and preparing for battle.
The Islamic State is a disturbing, frightening awakening to the true nature of religious fundamentalism in the Middle East and the corruption of generations that were taught that violence is the most effective way to defend their beliefs.
