2. ISIS is not a grassroots movement. It was created in response to Iran-Syria issues by the Gulf States, much like they created the legions of OBL against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan. In both cases, the Syrian rebels or Afghan jihadis had logistical and funding support from the Gulf States, with intelligence acquiescence, if not support, from elements in NATO and Israel. Most of the fighters are criminal elements released from Gulf prisons or mercenaries fighting for money and adventure. Hostages relate that ISIS leaders have little knowledge of Islamic theology or practice. Officially, the Gulf States oppose this ideology as critical of monarchical rule.

The Salafi sect, mainstream in most American cities, is non-violent, supportive of the Gulf monarchies, and opposed to ISIS jihadism as a form of apostasy.

The presence of ISIS has hurt the conservative social salafi sect through confusion of the two. ISIS has damaged political religiosity in Islam much like the Islamic brotherhood did.

Political islam has been hurt for at least a generation, which is a benefit to opponents of westernization of Islamic societies.

Finally, for religious Christians and Jews, the demise of political Islam discredited by ISIS is of great harm and a weapon to bludgeon social conservatives of any faith, who resist social justice warriors, political correctness, and increasing international dependence — neoliberal IMF economics.