Understanding the Changing Tactics of So-called Islamic State

The recent terror attacks in Paris and Brussels marked a change in the tactics of so-called Islamic State. So why did they happen, why now and — as a consequence — what would be the best strategy to defeat them?

The new tactics reflect changes in the group's recruitment strategy to adapt to new circumstances. The main goal of any insurgent group is to maximize its share of power. To achieve this goal, groups rely mostly on manpower — and both the quantity and quality matters. So for any rebel group it is vital to attract as many recruits and as good recruits as possible.

Groups increase their numbers by attracting three types of fighters:

1. Those motivated by a goal or a grievance

2. Those motivated by immediate profit

3. Forced recruits.

In Syria, throughout its history, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has used different tactics to recruit all three types of fighter. It is useful to look at changes in the group's recruitment strategy over time, so as to be able to identify possible windows of opportunity to defeat the group....

Continue reading: http://www.nato.int/docu/review/2016/Also-in-2016/tactics-isil-fighters-goal/EN/index.htm