I don't think anyone assumes that they have aims of 'traditional terrorists'

do they?

One problem is that nobody really knows their ultimate aims - probably not even themselves.

It seems to me that there are several distinct aims between members of Isis. The ones that grew up in Western countries seem to be largely a group of disenfranchised young people who have turned to radicalism as a form of self-determination. Their goal may be driven more by personal vendettas and hate of the system they have grown up in, than any desire to establish a caliphate.

Then there are the religious side of Isis, who do want to establish a caliphate in the middle east - following a literal reading of the Koran. I don't think these are so concerned with world domination or opposing the west - they just want control in what they perceive to be their own land. Their main enemy is not the West, but muslim groups that don't think the same way.

Posted By: Mecagoenti, Nov 22, 15:54:57