Books & more: The Black Power

The longer the terror of the Islamic State lasts, the more information we get about its history and structure. The first extensive account comes from SPIEGEL reporter Christoph Reuter, and it provides deep insights. Reuter was given documents that explain the structure of "Daesh" – politically, militarily, and in terms of intelligence. The journalist, who also lives in the region, interviewed over 200 sources for his book. The whole thing results in a fascinating, colorful portrait of terror, a real insight. The success of Daesh begins at the point where intelligence agents from the Baath Party take over and structure the organization.

In Syria, the same pattern always emerged at the beginning: the successor to Iraqi al-Qaeda also appeared, established a mission center, spied on the structure of the enemies (all those who do not belong to them), then the first opponents start to disappear, and ultimately ISIS takes power by force. From Syria, Daesh positioned itself with an offensive as the "savior" of the oppressed Sunnis. Reuter explains the staged beheadings and mass murders, the persecution of the Yazidis, and the deployment of incoming international volunteers. An excellent book that should be read.

“Die schwarze Macht: Der »Islamische Staat« und die Strategen des Terrors – Ein SPIEGEL-Buch“ by Christoph Reuter, DVA, 354 pages, Euro 19.90