Is The Power And Influence Of The Islamic State 'Overblown'?

Images of ISIS members rolling triumphantly through Syrian and Iraqi cities and towns do not necessarily capture the scope of the threat posed by this jihadi group, Middle East experts say. (Reuters)

Analysis: Why ISIS May Not Be As Powerful As We Think -- CBC

Iraqi jihadist group has more enemies than allies, experts say.

Many people who have followed ISIS's advances across Iraq this summer might well come to the conclusion that the Sunni jihadist group is unstoppable.

Its gruesome tactics, as well as images of the black ISIS flag being waved in numerous Iraqi cities and towns, have dominated the media and pressed governments around the world to try to formulate a forceful response.



But a number of Middle East analysts say that despite its incendiary rhetoric and a widespread perception that its ranks are swelling, ISIS has far more enemies than allies and is unlikely to expand its reach.

"They are not invincible," says Kamran Bokhari, vice-president of Middle Eastern and South Asian affairs for the Texas-based geopolitical intelligence firm Stratfor.
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