For some time now, the name ISIS—one of the most prominent symbols of ideological terrorism in the contemporary era—has once again been appearing in global news. The traces of this group, nurtured by major Western powers, can be seen in recent terrorist incidents from Australia and Pakistan to the Homs region in Syria. These attacks indicate that, despite its battlefield defeats in previous years, ISIS is in the process of regaining operational capacity and reorganizing its forces. ISIS is more than a purely military group; it is a violent, exclusionary ideology that pursues its political and ideological goals through fear, social destruction, and the deliberate creation of insecurity.
A Deep Grudge Against the Commander
One of the key dimensions in analyzing the ISIS threat is the group’s deep resentment toward Lieutenant General Haj Qassem Soleimani. General Soleimani’s presence and central role in the fight against ISIS—particularly in Iraq and Syria—effectively weakened the group’s structure and operations to the point of near collapse. ISIS views this defeat not merely as a military failure, but as an ideological humiliation, and naturally seeks revenge against the operational commanders of the opposing front. For this reason, the approach of the anniversary of General Soleimani’s martyrdom could serve as a catalyst for terrorist operations and provocative actions by this movement in the region and even inside the country. Experience has shown that such groups exploit symbols and figures whom they blame for their defeat, using them as targets or pretexts to threaten security and disturb public opinion.
The nature of ISIS is rooted in an extremist ideology that denies political, human, and religious legitimacy. The group not only opposes normal life and human rights, but, through its networked and global structure, coordinates terrorist operations across different regions, exploiting security vacuums and weaknesses in oversight. The group’s recent movements, accompanied by a wave of propaganda and media activity, indicate that ISIS is seeking to rebuild its power and return to the region’s strategic arena.
From a geopolitical perspective, this reality should not be ignored: some extra-regional powers, including the United States and the Zionist regime, pursue their own objectives by using ISIS as a tool of pressure and influence. This support is not necessarily direct, but is evident through the creation of security vacuums, indirect financial backing, and regional policies. ISIS, as an actor within the arena of power competition, takes advantage of these opportunities to reconstruct its influence and authority.
A National Security Imperative
From a national security standpoint, it is essential that the country’s security institutions maintain strategic vigilance toward this threat. Focusing on identifying clandestine networks, anticipating operational pathways, preventing the infiltration of terrorist elements, and enhancing regional and global intelligence cooperation is vital. At the same time, attention to the social and ideological dimensions of the threat is of particular importance; ISIS is not merely a military danger, but an ideological current that can target public opinion and fuel psychological insecurity.
ISIS’s animosity toward General Soleimani demonstrates that the group’s operations go beyond purely military targeting. These terrorists seek to exploit sensitive contexts and national and religious occasions to create psychological and symbolic threats. The anniversary of General Soleimani’s martyrdom, while it should be an occasion to recall strength and self-sacrifice, could also become a focal point for provocative ISIS actions—underscoring the necessity of full preparedness and coordination among security and intelligence agencies.
From religious and social perspectives as well, confronting ISIS requires a deep understanding of the group’s ideology. By relying on extremist and violence-driven ideas, ISIS seeks to distort human and religious values and to generate fear and insecurity in society. Countering it cannot be limited to military action alone; it also requires cultural and ideological struggle and the strengthening of public awareness about the dangers posed by this movement.
Ultimately, the return of ISIS to the global and regional scene must be regarded as a serious warning. With its violent nature, concealed geopolitical objectives, and deep hostility toward figures such as General Soleimani, the group can threaten national security and regional stability. Vigilance, coordination among security institutions, and preventive action are the only ways to confront this multilayered threat. Any negligence or underestimation of ISIS’s capabilities will exact an irreparable cost on security, stability, and the future of the region.
NOURNEWS