The New Threat from Islamic Militancy by Jason Burke | Book Review

Journalist Jason Burke’s assessment of Islamic militancy begins by outlining the developments in the MENA region that have lent militant Islamic movements greater appeal; authoritarian regimes, the Iranian revolution, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the Arab Spring.

The differences between the theology and tactics of Al Qaeda and Islamic State (IS) are well delineated here. It’s clear why IS currently holds a greater allure for a wannabe jihadi. He also tells the stories of some of their affiliates around the…