When the world's at stake,
go beyond the headlines.

A lot happens every day. Alliances shift, leaders change, and conflicts erupt. With In Brief, we’ll help you make sense of it all. Each week, experts will dig deep into a single issue happening in the world to help you better understand it.***On March 22, 2024, four gunmen affiliated with the Islamic State in Afghanistan attacked concertgoers at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, killing at least 144 and injuring hundreds more. The gunmen were detained, apparently tortured, and charged with acts of terrorism in a Russian court, while Russian President Vladimir Putin called the attack a “barbaric terrorist act” and attempted to tie it to Ukraine. We asked three experts to tell us more about the significance of this attack and what it can tell us about the Islamic State and the security situation in Russia. Read more below. Sara Harmouch Doctoral Candidate, American University Founder and CEO, H9 DefenseThe Moscow attack by the Islamic State in Afghanistan marks ISIL’s bid to regain its jihadist influence post-territorial defeats. By targeting Russia – frequently mentioned in al-Qaeda’s propaganda – the Islamic State demonstrates its capabilities and intensifies its rivalry with al-Qaeda, which has selectively praised actions like Hamas’s but remained silent on ISIL’s efforts. The attack reflects the Islamic State’s desire for recognition from al-Qaeda, attempting to reconcile their divergent strategies as their visibility wanes. It also serves as a call to arms for Islamic State factions globally, aiming to bolster and grow their ranks. This act underscores the Islamic State in Afghanistan’s resolve to lead on the jihadist stage, leveraging global events to highlight its adaptability and ambition. This signals a strategic pivot. The Islamic State in Afghanistan is essentially saying, “If we can strike here, we can strike anywhere,” indicating a move towards more audacious attacks. This suggests that there will be