Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Volume 44 Issue 3
Author: Giuliano Bifolchi

Executive Summary

Al Azaim Foundation, the Islamic State Wilayat Khorasan (ISKP) media branch, recently published an article titled “The Caliphate: the Last Pillar of the Islamic Nation” which underscored the group’s ideological commitment to the concept of the Caliphate, hailing it as a divinely ordained entity and portraying it as the ultimate saviour of the Islamic Ummah (community).

The article revisits the establishment of the Caliphate in 2014, celebrating its purported achievements and resilience despite global opposition.

This analysis evaluates the key themes presented in the article, contrasts them with the historical context of the Islamic State, and outlines potential risk scenarios stemming from ISKP’s continued propaganda efforts.

ISKP Article: Key Themes and Evaluation

1. Divine Legitimacy and Prophetic Methodology. The ISKP article unequivocally asserts the divine mandate of the Caliphate, portraying it as a restoration of Islamic governance based on prophetic teachings. The primary aim of this narrative is to create a profound resonance within the Islamic Ummah, while emphasising the spiritual legitimacy of the Caliphate and positioning ISKP as the rightful custodian of Islamic principles. By framing the Caliphate as an institution ordained by Allah, the ISKP seeks to bolster its ideological appeal and justify its militant actions as part of a broader religious duty. This assertion poses a significant challenge to secular governance models and could galvanise support among individuals sympathetic to Islamic revivalism.
2. Persecution and Resilience. The article portrays the Caliphate as a beacon of resistance against global oppression, highlighting the sacrifices made by believers to establish and defend it. The narrative highlights a continuous struggle against perceived oppressive forces, implicating various international actors, such as Jews, communists, and Buddhists, in a conspiracy to suppress Islamic revival. By accentuating persecution and resilience, ISKP aims to foster sympathy and recruit individuals disillusioned with perceived Western hegemony and secular governance in Muslim-majority regions. This narrative of resistance could inspire lone-wolf attacks or radicalisation among vulnerable populations sympathetic to anti-Western sentiments.
3. Unification of the Ummah. The article claims the Caliphate has successfully unified Muslims worldwide under a single banner, rejecting nationalistic divisions imposed by colonial powers and secular states. The ISKP presents itself as the only valid advocate for the global Muslim community, categorising other Islamic movements and states as invalid entities that perpetuate fragmentation. This plot serves to attract disenfranchised individuals seeking a sense of communal identity and belonging beyond national borders. The call for Ummah unity under the Caliphate’s leadership could exacerbate tensions in ethnically and religiously diverse regions, posing a risk of communal strife and social instability.
4. Confrontation with Global Disbelief. The narrative focused on the Caliphate’s existence as a perpetual struggle against a unified coalition of disbelievers, including Western powers and their allies. The ISKP accused these actors of using military aggression, economic sanctions, and media warfare to undermine and destroy the Caliphate. Sympathizers who are disillusioned with Western foreign policies and intervention in countries with Muslim-majority populations support these accusations. This narrative of global confrontation legitimises ISKP’s militant actions as defensive measures against perceived Western imperialism, inspiring retaliatory attacks and anti-Western sentiments globally.
5. Historical Continuity and Success. The article celebrates the Caliphate’s ten-year existence, highlighting its steadfast adherence to Islamic principles and its resilience in the face of international opposition. ISKP claims that despite territorial losses, the Caliphate remains unchanged in its creed and ideology, serving as a model for Islamic governance. This narrative of historical continuity and success aims to maintain morale among supporters and attract new recruits by portraying the Caliphate as a stable and enduring entity amidst global upheaval. The glorification of the Caliphate’s achievements could inspire individuals disillusioned with secular governance models to support or join ISKP’s cause, posing a threat to regional and global security.

Conclusion

ISKP’s continue accusations against international actors such as Jews, communists, Buddhists, and others as conspirators against the Caliphate pose significant risks to regional and global security.

The narrative of persecution and global confrontation could radicalise vulnerable populations and inspire lone-wolf attacks or coordinated terrorist operations. This ideological narrative may exacerbate existing tensions in ethnically and religiously diverse regions, potentially leading to communal violence and social unrest.

After hugely criticising the Taliban in a recent propaganda video, the ISKP article “The Caliphate: the Last Pillar of the Islamic Nation” represents a sophisticated piece of jihadist propaganda aimed at reinforcing the legitimacy and resilience of the Islamic State.

By invoking themes of divine mandate, persecution, global confrontation, and historical continuity, ISKP seeks to justify its militant actions and attract support from sympathetic populations disillusioned with secular governance models and perceived so-called “Western imperialism”.

The accusations against international actors as conspirators against the Caliphate underscore the potential for this narrative to inspire anti-Western sentiment and terrorist activities globally.

For further analysis and reports on ISKP propaganda and activities in Afghanistan, please feel free to contact us at info@specialeurasia.com and schedule a meeting to discuss our consulting services.