This week the international community mourns yet another series of terrorist
attacks in Istanbul, Dhaka, Baghdad, and Saudi Arabia. While these attacks continue to
increase in frequency, some in the international community experience a numbing effect
in response to violent and extreme terrorism. Has radical Islamic terrorism become a
new international norm? While the ideology and extremism of ISIS spreads around the
world like a rampant plague, world leaders find themselves in the midst of an age
characterized by the violence and cruelty of non-state actors. The recent series of attacks
simply adds to ISIS's quite lengthy resume of brutality - its most notable attacks this year
including Brussels, Orlando, Istanbul, and Baghdad. Although ISIS has lost some
territory in pursuit of its Islamic caliphate within the last twelve months, its aspirations
for wreaking terror on innocent civilians continues to characterize its barbaric and
ruthless ideology.

Meanwhile, the current Obama administration exhibits the qualities of a
disinterested regime. One must wonder just how far-reaching and devastating ISIS
activities must become in order to provoke a strong western response. No signs point
towards a de-escalation of ISIS brutality. More attacks in the near future seem likely, if
not certain. The growth in ISIS terror has resulted in far-reaching consequences - the
refugee crisis, European homegrown terrorism, and the vulnerability of Schengen borders
and immigration. Britain's recent Brexit vote is the latest consequence, one that could
lead to stricter immigration laws, but more importantly, the possible break-up of the EU
in the near future. As evidenced by the long list of consequences that have threatened
world order, it seems clear that current administration policies are not only indifferent,
but also ineffective. Only through strong leadership and NATO cooperation can the West
confront and minimize the existential threat of radical Islamic terrorism.

Dr. Saeed Ganji

President, Chairman

National Union for Democracy in Iran