Coyote, Boston1, Lipush, Flacaltenn, et al,
I get the distinct impression that there are separate cells in DAESH (ISIS/ISIL,IS, etc) that hold an quasi-allegiance to the central theme of DAESH. DEASH was, in 2004 when I was in Baghdad, considered by many as some sort of malleable but undefined splinter group of al-Qaeda (AQ). (Of course back then, all the various groups were AQ__ and fillin the blank). AQ played better than the emergence of a new anti-American radical Islamic group. The Commanders did not really want to send the impression that US Intervention was creating more enemies than it neutralized.
While there was a period in which DAESH and AQ were often given to have an association, there was clearly a difference between the two organizations; in February 2014, al-Qaeda made it very clear that it had renounces ties with DAESH (
Salafist Sunni). It was no more than a few months later June/July 2014, that DAESH announced the creation of an Islamic State ---- a caliphate across northern
Iraq and
Syria. At the time, it was thought that the announcement was some sort of power-play --- implementing Sharia Law --- that would establish authority over the world's billion (or so).
(JERUSALEM)
I'm sure we are all aware that the Israeli General Security Service (AKA: Shin Bet or Shabak) have a handle on the half-dozen or so DEASH Operatives of the Galilee/Sakhnin Cell (Region in northern Israel). But for the last year, DAESH has been very low key (if not dormant) in Jerusalem. Gaza is a bit difference, with the occasional clash between DAESH Salafists Sunni --- versus --- the predominantly Sunni HAMAS Radical Jihadist and Nationalist. It is not totally clear to me if the cell in Jerusalem is a self-proclaimed DAESH Affiliate --- or --- a has a true command dialog with the Islamic State and DAESH. But it appears that the General Security Service has a fairly good handle on the potential threat. However, it appears to be the case that DAESH is establishing "safe houses" and "training facilities" in the Arab-Palestinian zones of control.
There was also some indication that kudos and awards from DAESH recruiters and trainers are gradually having an effect on recruitment among younger people.
Most Respectfully,
R