ISIS Defeated in Raqqa: An Uncertain Victory
On Oct. 17, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, ISIS) was finally defeated in Raqqa, a stronghold of the group and the largest city under its control. Images of Syrian Democratic Forces replacing ISIS flags with their own spread hope across the world, and the defeat of ISIS appeared imminent. But the reality is not so simple. Although the fall of Raqqa signaled a dramatic and significant victory, celebrations soon gave way to uncertainty. Several pressing questions remain: is ISIS really defeated? Can an ideology be defeated? What will happen now in the formerly ISIS-occupied territory...
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