Attracts recruits with Shariah

ISIS’s ability to establish itself as a de facto Islamic caliphate, as well as its reputation for brutality, make it more attractive to potential recruits, officials say. The group’s ability to impose strict Islamic law in areas under its control gives it a an advantage over factions like Al Qaeda. They say the number of U.S. fighters joining ISIS and other groups in Syria has almost doubled since January, to more than 100. A senior official:

ISIS is able to hold itself up as the true jihad. They’re saying: ‘Look at what we are doing, what we’re accomplishing. We’re the new face. We’re not just talking about it. We’re doing it.’