Al-Bagdadi of Isis Declares an Islamic State and himself the caliph
Iraq
Source: CIA World Factbook
Source: CIA World Factbook
Reuters reports (June 29, 2014) that the “The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant” (ISIS) has changed the playing field. Its leader, Abu Bakr al-Bagdadi, has proclaimed himself the “caliph” of an “Islamic State.” He has changed the name of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant to the “Islamic State.” His declaration now requires Sunni Muslim groups all over the world to declare allegiance to the Islamic State. If they declare allegiance, they will join the Islamic State in its jihad not only across Iraq and Syria, but over the world. Shias in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran will likely be their first targets. Remember, the Soviets are aligned with Iran and Syria, both Shia led. The Reuters article gives the background for this declaration:
Islam has not had a caliph, a leader of an Islamic state or “caliphate” since 1924 when the Ottoman caliphate was dissolved by action of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the President of Turkey. It has not a “caliph” since that time as well. What might we expect in the days to follow?
Decisions will be made by Sunni Muslim groups all over the Middle East whether they will proclaim loyalty to the Islamic State. That is, will they align under the authority of Abu Bakr al-Bagdadi. The major group in this alliance is al-Qaeda and its central core leadership located in Pakistan and led by Al-Zawahiri, considered by most Sunni jihadist groups to be Osama bin Laden #2. ISIS, located in Iraq, had formerly proclaimed allegiance to al-Qaeda core leadership in Pakistan. It had also delegated opposition to Bashir al-Assad in Syria to one of its lieutenants; but as al-Nusrah succeeded in Syria, it chose to report to al-Qaeda in Pakistan rather than ISIS. Al-Qaeda in Pakistan agreed to the realignment of reporting of al-Nusrah. When it did, ISIS revoked its loyalty to al-Qaeda and declared its independence from al-Qaeda. Today’s declaration is the next step in that independence. ISIS is no more. In its place is the Islamic State. Time will tell whether the Sunnis of the world will seek unification under al-Bagdadi or reject his leadership. If Sunnis do come under al-Bagdadi, we are likely seeing the forming of geopolitical sides in a war that will eventually take us to WW 3, and the Tribulation of the last days.
Jesus come quickly. I am a mid-trib proponent. I pray that you pre-tribbers have it right.
