War of words, too
No one on the GOP debate stage understood that the word “caliphate” played directly into ISIL’s hands. The caliphate would be the legitimate successor to the Prophet Mohammed. This is exactly how they wish to be characterized.
Secretary of State Kerry and our allies call them Daesh. This is a term from Arabic that minimizes ISIL, and it is offensive to them. Knowledgeable people also characterize Daesh as apostates. This encourages Muslims to attack Daesh. We now have an alliance of 34 Muslim nations against Daesh. Don’t get in the way of progress.
Frank Malone
Spokane