ISIS Distracts and The World Reacts

World-class murderers and mobs are engaged in mass killings, uprooting and intimidation while those who can act and make a difference are too busy reacting aimlessly to ISIS’ drama.

The result is a knee-jerk reaction, a show of force that appeases emotions and distracts from the real problems at hand. It allows criminals to get away with their murders, or worse, plan and execute new ones.

The Jordanian reaction to the burning alive to its pilot was predictable and in many ways welcome. But the timing of the air raids on ISIS positions and execution of al Qaeda prisoners do not show signs of a planned operation with a clear aim and objectives.

The renewed shuttle diplomacy that ensued could potentially lead somewhere if genuine and not simply another emotional reaction. From Europe, we heard about efforts to strengthen Iraq’s sovereignty while emphasizing the Kurdish role for a possible lasting solution to usher in stability for Iraq and the region. This would have been a positive sign if we did not have the failing examples of western inaction or badly timed actions to take into account such as in Syria, Yemen, Libya and Egypt.

On the Syrian front, where the ISIS threat is most urgent, the recent U.S. rhetoric is disappointing as it dropped the original demand that “Assad must go,” to suggest a more inclusive scenario of power-sharing between Assad and Syrian opposition. There does not seem to be a plan for the millions of refugees scattered around the region, nor a clear plan to defeat ISIS.

Reading between the shadows of busy bodies hopping on planes and serving diplomatic jargon to a media corps still in a deep coma, it seems that the west is desperately looking for a temporary solution. Maybe even a simple mending of its battered image.

While ISIS distracts us with theatrics, tyrants run amok to keep their clout, and the majority oblivious individuals among us think they are removed and safe.

If the fight is not taken to ISIS directly, fierce, door-to-door, and costly, the nightmare of the Islamic Caliphate will soon be a reality on the ground and it will threaten everyone without exception.