Premature to declare IS fully defeated

IRANIAN PRESIDENT HASSAN ROUHANI declared the end of the Islamic State group on Tuesday, while Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on the same day the terrorist group had been defeated from a "military perspective". Beijing News commented on Thursday:

The two state leaders' optimism cannot hide the truth that although "the foundation and roots (of the IS group) have been destroyed" the remnants will continue. Still, the international campaign to combat the IS extremist group has gained ground.

Since the terrorist group no longer controls any major population centers in Syria or Iraq, it is tempting to celebrate the "final collapse" of the IS. But that should wait. The IS fighters have shown notorious resilience and adaptability in the past. The remnants of the terrorist organization may resort to guerrilla tactics or bide their time while recruiting followers overseas before reemerging.