Beyond the frontline: watching ISIS

[davidbfpo]

An Arab website has this interesting analysis, it is in English:

Starts with:

A careful and specialized examination of the strengths and weaknesses of the fighting doctrine and the military performance of suicidal salafi jihadi groups, such as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), is yet to be done. Such a study has not been carried out by official military authorities in countries directly affected, such as Iraq and Syria, or by scholars specialized in studying these groups. Nevertheless, it is possible to review some of the information on the issue found in different publications.

Note the emphasis on "technicals" and the aggressive use of snipers.

Citing Justin Bronk, a RUSI analyst:

A particular speciality is outflanking defensive positions and then mopping up defenders who attempt to retreat. The tactic is as much psychological as it is kinetic, and is greatly magnified by the horrendous and public brutality ISIS has systematically exhibited wherever it has gained control.

Link:http://english.al-akhbar.com/content...g-fact-fiction

Link to the article by Justin Bronk, written two weeks ago:http://edition.cnn.com/2014/10/17/op...las/index.html