Much of the news recently from the Middle East, from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), in the desert region between Kerbala and Najaf, south of Baghdad.
The announcement shocked the world. How could anyone want to wind the clock back to the 7th Century?
And if there was the desire on the part of a few people to do that, what would be the motive? Why?
Moreover, how would 10,000 Muslim-ist fighters gain the support of others to bring the Middle East and the Mediterranean Basin back to the year 800 AD?
Nervana Mahmoud is an Egyptian blogger and commentator featured in BBC's 100 Women list in 2013 Here is
her opinion.
Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State, spoke on Friday at the Great Mosque in the northern city of Mosul. See a photo of Baghdadi and read an analysis of his movement. He states, "the mujahedeen have been rewarded victory by God after years of jihad, and they were able to achieve their aim and hurried to announce the caliphate and choose the Imam."
He calls for holy war and a strict interpretation of Islamic law. He teaches that the establishment of an Islamic caliphate is a duty incumbent on all Muslims. He is dressed in black robes and a black turban – a sign that he claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad. He has dark eyes, thick eyebrows and a full black beard with streaks of gray on the sides.
Last week, the group's Internet showed 20 plus photos of bulldozers destroying 10 ancient shrines and Shiite mosques. This is a declaration of his full intention towards Muslims of the Shi'ite community. An analysis of this event can be
found here
