To the Point

The Islamic State is Transforming Syria’s Civil War

The ultra-extremist Islamic State now controls 30% of Syria, refining and selling oil to finance its expanding “caliphate.” Does Syria's President Assad look like the lesser of two evils? What’s the US doing to arm so-called “moderate” forces against both a murderous government and the Islamic State?

By Warren Olney • Jul 31, 2014 • 52m Listen

The ultra-extremist Islamic State now controls 30% of Syria, refining and selling oil to finance its expanding “caliphate.” Its video propaganda features beheadings and other means of subduing civilians, which has been said to attract holy warriors from all over the world. Syria’s President Assad now claims he really is under attack by terrorists. Does he look like the lesser of two evils? What’s the US doing to arm so-called “moderate” forces against both a murderous government and the Islamic State?

Also, Israel calls on more reserve troops, and is the NSA's ex-cyber security chief worth $1 million a month as a civilian cyber-warrior?

Banner Image: Smoke rises during clashes between Iraqi security forces and militants of the Islamic State, formerly known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), in the Hamrin mountains in Diyala province July 29, 2014. Picture taken July 29, 2014. REUTERS/Stringer