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Hari Kumar

There's nothing like going on a sightseeing trip to have a blast.
Whatever your beliefs and convictions, this holds true. That's probably why the newly founded Islamic State, the caliphate declared in some parts of Iraq and Syria, is now into that business too.
They are running twice-weekly tours from Raqa in Syria to Anbar in Iraq in sleek-looking minibuses that are adorned with the group's black flag. For entertainment they play jihadist songs.
Don't brush this off as a dream of adrenaline junkies and ultimate adventure weirdos. They are even getting honeymoon couples to take part, although they cannot sit together. Some jihadists are very romantic, says a spokesman for the group. Anyone looking for maximum bang for their bucks would naturally be tempted.
With its new tours, the group probably wants to show it is not averse to enjoyment and thereby attract more young members into the fold. But there is no word on whether there is any let-up on its very strict dress code, which even saw faces of shop mannequins being veiled. Nor does the group explain if there will be ringside seats available for public floggings as part of the package.
For security officials in Western countries who are keeping a tab on likely jihadists in their countries, this might add to their load. Instead of suspicious lone wolves, they will now also have to keep an eagle eye on couples flying out on honeymoon trips.
As fundamentalist groups go to great lengths to win over the hearts and minds of people of an impressionable age, the latest name added to the list of those influenced by their propaganda is worrisome. A Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka is convinced that the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has become a victim of extremist Islamic propaganda.
The prominent monk, Galagodaatte Gnanasara, had actually planned to go to India to meet the Dalai Lama at his base in Dharamsala. But he has given up the idea as he feels there is no point as the Dalai Lama has already been brainwashed.
The reason behind this venerable monk's finding? The Dalai Lama recently called on Buddhists in Sri Lanka and Myanmar to desist from violence against Muslims. Go figure that out!


Taking an unusual holiday in the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq

Members of the Islamic State militant group parade in a street in the northern Syrian city of Raqa. Photo: AFP

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There's nothing like going on a sightseeing trip to have a blast. Whatever your beliefs and convictions, this holds true. That's probably why the newly founded Islamic State, the caliphate declared in some parts of Iraq and Syria, is now into that business too.


Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


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