A History of the Islamic State Group's Atrocities, Gains in Its Extremist Campaign in Mideast

The extremist Islamic State group, which now controls a third of both Iraq and Syria in its self-declared caliphate, has inspired militants in Libya to behead Coptic Christians they held. The Libyan militants had earlier pledged its loyalty to the group, which grew out of the remnants of al-Qaida's former Iraqi branch under extremist leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The group has demanded the allegiance of all the world's Muslims and attracted foreigners with online videos featuring atrocities like the mass shootings of prisoners and the beheadings of Western hostages, films put together with Hollywood-style special effects. Though beaten back by airstrikes launched by a U.S.-led coalition, Western officials warn that the Islamic State group remains a potent threat. http://bit.ly/1DzuzR8 http://bit.ly/1fJ5yqZ