Islamic State [ISIS] a Global Threat: U.S. and U.K. must respond with tough measures

By Henry Jackson Society

Robin Simcox, Research Fellow at The Henry Jackson Society, testified before the Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence in Washington D.C. today regarding the threat posed to the West by returning jihadists.

In light of the announcement of the new Islamic Caliphate, covering an area the size of Jordan across Iraq and Syria, it is clear that the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) poses an ever-increasing threat to regional stability as well as Western national security. Detailing the spread of ISIS and their links to terrorist attacks in London, Stockholm and Brussels, Simcox  warned that the West needs to improve its measures aimed at countering jihadists returning from Iraq, Syria and other conflict zones.

Speaking of a “shared challenge”, Simcox warned that inactivity against ISIS from London and Washington is not an option. In particular, both countries must press ahead with plans to prosecute those who have attempted or successfully joined up with, fundraised for and/or received training from terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria.  Monitoring returning fighters and the potential removal of citizenship will be other essential tools in this fight.

Robin Simcox’s testimony can be viewed by clicking on the video below:

Robin Simcox’s written testimony to the Committee on Homeland Security can be downloaded here.

The Henry Jackson Society is the leading UK based think-tank specializing in the study of Terrorism, Homeland Security policy and the monitoring of Islamist movements and associated violence around the world.  The Society has a long record of publications on these topics, on which it advises policymakers and practitioners frequently.  Previous publications include:

• Terrorism and Islamism in the MENA region, 14 March 2014
• The Presumption of Innocence: Difficulties in Bringing Suspected Terrorists to Trial, 23 December 2013
• Al-Qaeda’s Global Footprint: An assessment of al-Qaeda’s Strength Today, 27 September 2013
• The European Angle to the U.S. Terror Threat, 24 June 2013
• Al-Qaeda in the United States – A Complete Analysis of Terrorism Offenses, 26 February 2013
• Islamist Terrorism: The British Connections, 7 July 2011
• Keeping Britain Safe: An Assessment of UK Homeland Security Strategy, 27 April 2011

RELATED VIDEO: From ISIS to the Islamic State (Trailer 2) – The Islamic State continues to release gruesome videos of the frequent executions taking place in the caliphate the group has established in parts of Iraq and Syria. (WARNING: Graphic images)

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