"The liberation of Mosul and the inevitable, approaching liberation of Raqqa in Syria will not be the end of the Islamic State and its evil ideology. But they crush the group’s pretense to having an actual “state” based upon it. As its surviving leaders scurry to the corners of the desert, no longer can they claim to head a winning movement. Their defeat diminishes the inspiration for violent extremists, or simply lost souls on social media, to attack Americans and our friends. This is a necessary step forward in combating terrorism. Americans are safer for it."
About
The Diplomacy and International Politics Program comprises the Belfer Center’s signature projects on diplomacy and regional politics, including the Future of Diplomacy Project, the Middle East Initiative, the India and South Asia Project, and – in conjunction with the Harvard Law and Harvard Business Schools – the Secretaries of State Project. Though distinct in focus, all emphasize the essential role of diplomacy in preventing conflict and building a more secure, peaceful world. Together, these projects support research, teaching, and policy engagement for a diverse community of current and former diplomats, students, faculty, fellows, service members, and executives.