After an air strike in Syria targeting ISIL, the terrorist organization released this video as a form of propaganda against the U.S.
In response to air strikes in Syria and Iraq leady by the U.S. on Monday, the Islamic State released a video in an attempt to “educate” the Western countries responsible.
The video is the second in a series of “lecture” videos that the Islamic State intends to release. In the media clip, ISIL captive John Cantlie appears for the second time dressed in the uncomfortably familiar orange jumpsuit that the hostages have been known to wear.
Cantlie is a British journalist that was captured twice by the Islamic State. He has been held captive since 2012.
In a nearly six minute video, Cantlie sits behind a desk and seemingly reads from a script that tries to dissuade the viewers from agreeing with the United States government.
Cantlie begins by introducing himself as, “the British citizen abandoned by [his] government.” He explains the current situation between the Islamic State and the Western countries.
“Western governments are hastily marching towards all out war with Iraq and Syria without paying any heed to the lessons of the recent past,” he says.
The rest of the film features Cantlie defaming the U.S. and its actions towards the IS along with quotes from U.S. government officials accompanied by snapshots and photos of these officials and their quotes. Cantlie attempts to convince the public that the U.S. is making a foolish decision by fighting the ISIL.
He claims that the Islamic State is the “most powerful jihadist movement seen in recent history.”
“Not since Vietnam have we witnessed such a potential mess in the making,” said Cantlie in reference to America’s conflict with the IS.
ISIL has been following a trend of propaganda. Videos of this nature are regarded as attempts to recruit more members into the Islamic State.
More than 1 million Iraqis have been displaced by ISIS related violence and the amount of refugees continues to burgeons.
On Tuesday, President Obama spoke in regards to the airstrikes. He listed Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain as countries that have joined the U.S. “on behalf of our own common security.”
“This is not just America’s fight alone,” Obama said, “We will not tolerate safe havens for terrorists who threaten our people.”
