Thread by @Minalami

#ISIS cites/exploits western media coverage and analysts to say the group has not been defeated.

“If you follow Crusader media these days you’ll find strange unanimous agreement from their leaders and experts that the Islamic State will endure [here to stay]”, reads the opening sentence of ISIS’s editorial in al-#Naba on 21 Feb.

Also worth noting in the #Naba editorial is how #ISIS slightly adapted its trademark slogan باقية وتتمدد (Remaining & Expanding), which at the height of its power IS used to mean its "caliphate" is remaining or here to stay and its territory/presence is expanding.

In Naba of 21 Feb IS said: "the banner of the Islamic State [rather than IS as a group] is remaining...and its war against the infidels [rather than its presence] is expanding". It's difficult for the group to presently use the original slogan without tweaking it.

This change may reflect IS's current status and how it possibly sees itself: enduring ideology (ref to IS banner) and ongoing jihad.