Terrorists struck on American soil last weekend when two armed jihadists attempted to storm an event in Garland, Texas, that was displaying cartoons of Mohammad. Thanks to quick action by a police officer, the casualties were limited to one security guard being shot in the foot – as well as the two attackers, who were killed before they could commit the atrocity they had planned.
The
threat posed by Islamist extremists has rapidly grown more severe. The Islamic
State controls wide swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, while al Qaeda
groups continue to spread throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Many of
these groups now have battlefield experience and terrorism credentials, deep
support networks, and the ability to broadcast their propaganda worldwide
through social media.
This
critical threat is not confined to the Middle East. Like the murderous attacks
in Paris earlier this year, the Garland assault shows that Islamist terrorists
have a wide reach throughout the world. Those who believe the jihadists will
spare the U.S. if we simply withdraw from our position of world leadership are
deluding themselves. This movement does not make limited demands that can be
appeased. Like Communism, its adherents are openly, proudly intent on world
domination, and they will continue pursuing that goal until they are decisively
defeated.
Separately,
the Nunes Digest is updated for your weekend reading here.
