Everyone seems to have a theory on how to obliterate Islamic State. However, two points are rarely raised: One concerns the origins of the group and the other whether there are genuine intentions to defeat it in the first place.

We must boldly address the first to unravel the enigma behind the rise and growth of IS — otherwise, how else can the group be dismantled? We must contend with the second point before engaging in superfluous discussions about the most appropriate war strategy — that is if war is even the answer.

The questions are urgent and yet somehow they are frequently overlooked, glossed over through some disingenuous logic or by placing the blame somewhere else.