Socratic Smackdown

Issue: The Rise of ISIS and the Nature of Islamic Authority

Question Set: Using your knowledge from the videos and articles, discuss and
respond to the following questions as a team. This will help you prepare for
the Socratic Smackdown discussion.

1. What is the ultimate goal of ISIS? Do you see any connections to the
history of Islam?

2. According to the article, what claim does ISIS use to justify the groups
authority over the entire Muslim community? What is your reaction to this
claim?

3. How do most Muslim scholars, religions leaders and political leaders view
ISIS? Why do they think ISIS has no authority to speak for all Muslims?
How does ISISs lack of religious knowledge help us understand their true
nature?

4. How has the Sunni-Shite divide played a role in this issue?

5. How is ISIS pursuing its goals and how does that differ from the terrorism
strategy employed by al-Qaeda?

6. What action is the U.S. government taking in response to the ISIS

militants and the humanitarian crisis it has caused in Iraq?

7. As a group, do you believe the rise of ISIS is a serious threat? Explain.

8. In your groups opinion, is ISIS more of a terrorist group or a religious

group?