Beirut (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Islamic State (IS) militants pose 'biggest threat' to United States, said US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel at a press conference yesterday. General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Islamic State must be fought both in Iraq and in Syria, where they have bases and can shelter to rest from the war.
Both officials spoke after Islamist militants released a video showing the beheading of journalist James Foley, titled "A Message to America." In it, they also threaten to murder Steven Sotloff, a second kidnapped American if President Barack Obama continues air strikes against the IS.
In fact, raids continued near Mosul yesterday. However, the American public does not seem eager for further operations in Iraq.
Some experts believe it might take 10,000 to 15,000 troops and advisers on the ground in Iraq to defeat the IS army.
By studying the video of the beheading, analysts say that it contains a double message. On the one hand, the United States and the West are taunted, challenged to get them into the fight; on the other, Muslims around the world are called call to jihad against the oppressors.
Indeed, fighting the IS in Iraq and Syria could increase militancy around the world, not only among Muslims, but also among Westerners eager for doomsday scenarios.
The US State Department has released figures indicating that at least 12,000 jihadists from 50 countries went to Syria since the war began against Assad, including 100 Americans.
Now that the war has shifted to Iraq, it is possible that they too will move to the new front. This might explain why the militant who cut Foley's head had a "British accent".