Teaching Terror: The Islamic State's Textbooks, Guidance Literature, and Indoctrination Methods

"policymakers have a number of opportunities to break the Islamic State's ideological indoctrination. First, they should recognize that the group is exploiting very real education gaps in the region for its own nefarious purposes, and that these gaps are exacerbated by current conflicts. IS fills these gaps not only through its textbooks, but also through mobile apps, visual aids, and other materials. The United States can compete with such efforts by providing greater educational access to local communities. In terms of fighting the group's ideas, while America lacks an authoritative voice on the matter, it can encourage religious figures in the region and elsewhere to reclaim those traditions being appropriated by IS publications. Finally, U.S. efforts to counter violent extremism should make greater use of a key tactic: promoting the narratives of those who have fled IS-controlled territory and are disillusioned by its ideology."