Global Scans · Religion · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Huge growth is expected over the next several decades as the world's Muslim population grows faster than every other major religious demographic, and as urbanization and rising incomes in developing countries with large Muslim populations mean more will be buying, rather than producing their own food.

• [New] Somalia's Federal Government is grappling with profound challenges, ranging from endemic corruption to the persistent threat posed by militant groups like Al-Shabaab and the Islamic State in Somalia. WardheerNews
• [New] As the Islamic finance industry looks to 2025, AlHuda CIBE reaffirms its commitment to addressing emerging challenges and harnessing opportunities to achieve sustainable growth, particularly in Islamic microfinance and FinTech, poised for remarkable progress in the coming years. Trade Chronicle
• The U.S. needs to keep troops deployed in Syria to prevent the Islamic State group from reconstituting as a major threat following the ouster of Bashar Assad's government. Counter Extremism Project
• Iran regularly holds the United States and Israel responsible for the formation of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and could conclude that ISIS attacks targeting Iraqi military officers and officials are encouraged by the United States and Israel. Institute for the Study of War
• THE United States needs to keep troops deployed in Syria to prevent Islamic State from reconstituting as a major threat following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad's government. Morning Star
• The SDF, recognized globally for its pivotal role in combating the Islamic State, now faces an existential threat as it fights to defend its autonomous zone in northern Syria. FDD
• The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army is already skirmishing with Kurdish forces, primarily the Syrian Democratic Forces, who are allied with Washington in the fight against Islamic State, but which Turkey views as a threat due to their links to Kurdish groups it views as terrorists. UnHerd
• As the Islamic State group and other radical militant groups evolve and adapt, the threat of lone wolf attacks looms over the U.S. and other nations. Worldcrunch
• Several countries have urged al-Sharaa to ensure that religious and ethnic minorities will be protected amid some recent tensions and fears that any unrest could negatively affect Syria and the wider region. Al Jazeera
• The post-transition government must adequately ensure the protection of Syria's religious minorities, including Alawites, Christians, and Druze, and limit the threat of reprisals. SCR
• Rising propaganda could attract more radicalised populations to join the Islamic State or other terror groups, even giving space to AQ to re-emerge as a strong contender. Eurasia Review
• Syria's minorities, including Christians, Druze, Kurds, and Alawites, face existential threats, while Sunni Muslims, displaced and disenfranchised, have become pawns in a geopolitical chess game. Greatreporter
• U.S., regional, and global officials seek to stabilize Syria and work to ensure that a successor government will not facilitate the continued operations in Syria of radical jihadist organizations such as the Islamic State. The Soufan Center
• Islamist Extremism Threats: Groups like the Islamic State are influencing both homegrown cells and global networks, causing rising insecurity in West Asia and beyond. PMF IAS
• There is heightened concern among member states regarding the threat posed by terrorist groups based in Afghanistan, particularly the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan - ISIL's Afghan affiliate - and Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan. Security Council Report
• Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL / Da'esh) remains one of the key security threats in Syria. Security Council Report
• There is concern that a power vacuum in Syria could exacerbate regional tensions and create conditions for the Islamic State group to regain ground. Evesham Journal
• The Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasizing Syria's role as an important and influential country in West Asia, will spare no effort to help establish security and stability in Syria. The Nation
• Iran is closely monitoring the developments in Syria and its approach will depend on the policy militant groups in the Arab country adopt toward the Islamic Republic. eghtesadonline.com
• One key goal for the US will be to help restore order, defend its allies, and prevent another brutal power struggle among rival militias and religious groups that could spill over into neighboring countries. Yahoo News
• Iran has a young population that has lost any confidence in the Islamic Republic to deliver jobs, security, housing, opportunities to start a family, or lives free of fear and uncertainty. Morning Star
• The Islamic republic of Iran will not give up on its nuclear program. Middle East Media Research Institute

Last updated: 20 January 2025