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Though punishing airstrikes and offensives against the Islamic State have reduced the group's manpower, finances and areas of control in Iraq and Syria, the group is far from defeated. 

Though punishing airstrikes and coordinated offensives against the Islamic State have reduced the group's manpower, finances and areas of control in Iraq and Syria, the group is far from defeated. In fact, history shows that militant groups can remain threats long after they have lost on the battlefield.

Is the Islamic State in Its Death Throes or Deadlier Than Ever?

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The Jihadist Wars

Many journalists have questioned whether the Islamic State is really being damaged by coalition airstrikes. Some have even suggested that the group may be stronger than ever. These viewpoints -- in large part, a response to the group's Feb. 28 attack in Abu Ghraib -- stand in stark contrast to an article published by the Daily Beast last week, which quoted a Defense Department official who said the Islamic State was "entering its death throes." But neither of these takes on the Islamic State is correct.

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Is the Islamic State in Its Death Throes or Deadlier Than Ever?

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