A Weakening Islamic State Still Poses a Threat

Although not absolute, for the most part terrorism historically has been employed by a weak militant organization against a militarily stronger opponent. Organizations that are no longer capable of conventional warfare will often shift to fighting a less resource-intensive hit-and-run insurgency as a means to continue fighting. Likewise, militant groups that have taken losses on the battlefield often shift from insurgency to terrorism in an effort to remain relevant and continue to hit their opponents while conserving resources and attempting to rebuild so that they can return to larger-scale military efforts....