What motivated the terror attacks in Paris?
WILLIAM BRANGHAM:
The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, known as ISIS, has claimed credit for Friday's terrorist attack in Paris. And the French government also blames the Islamic militant group.
Peter Neumann studies and teaches terrorism and radicalization at King's College in London. He joins me now from there to discuss the group and its intentions.
Peter, these latest attacks sort of put to rest the idea that ISIS was mostly concerned about actions in the Middle East. What do you think that they are trying to accomplish with these most recent attacks?
PETER NEUMANN, Director, International Center for the Study of Radicalization, King's College: I think there are three aims here. The first is classical asymmetric warfare — warfare. You're hitting us. We're going to take revenge by hitting you where it hurts most, namely at home.
The second intention is really to polarize and to divide European societies, to create that sense of Islam against the West, and to create a lot of mess in the countries that they oppose.
The third intention that often gets forgotten is also internally. I think the Islamic State has been on the defensive in its core territory in Iraq and Syria.
And this kind of attack, I think, motivates supporters and gives them again the feeling that they are part of a winning team. And that's really important.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sa7SZ6arn1%2Bjsri%2Fx6isq2ejnby4e9ahmK1lnaTBqsLArZydZaSdsm7AxKupqKpdlsG1rcKkqmahnmK9or7IrA%3D%3D