Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- November 19, 2015

Militant Islamist fighters wave flags as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria’s northern Raqqa province June 30, 2014. REUTERS/Stringer

John Lloyd, Reuters: Islamic State has become an existential threat to the West

The Europeans have — it’s not news — tended to be snooty about the Americans. Especially the French, but the attitude is ingrained even in the “special relationship” with the UK.

In interviews with intelligence service people, mostly retired, for a project for the Reuters Institute, I often heard that senior British officers had thought the phrase “War on Terror” to be a stupid one, and that they never used it. It was not a war, they believed. The struggle was not “existential.” It was a serious challenge from serious militants: hard, vicious but finite.

It’s different now. Francois Hollande, the Socialist president of France, has said that the slaughter in Paris last Friday evening was “an act of war.” Pope Francis, at a commemoration service for the 100,000 Italian soldiers killed in the World War One (his grandfather was one of the soldiers who survived) said that “one can speak of a third war, one fought piecemeal, with crimes, massacres, destruction.”

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- November 19, 2015

In Islamic State's global reach, new risks for jihadists – and the West -- Nicholas Blanford, CSM

The Mysterious Life and Death of Abdelhamid Abaaoud -- David Graham, The Atlantic

Paris attacks: Would US troops in Syria play into Islamic State's hands? -- Anna Mulrine, CSM

'Punching in the Dark': Why Islamic State Is Winning the Online War -- Spiegel Online

In the battle against IS, where is the Arab coalition? -- Bruce Reidel, Al-Monitor

Eitay Mack wants Israel to reveal its secret arms sales -- Ben Lynfield, CSM

Yemen: Hadi’s return will bolster peace talks -- National editorial

A Delicate Balance in Beijing -- Rodger Baker, Stratfor

How Likely Is a Financial Crisis in China? -- Patrick Hess, The Diplomat

China Is Trying to Warn Taiwan Voters -- Noah Feldman, Bloomberg

Okinawa’s base conundrum -- Shannon Tiezzi, Japan Times

Libya’s civil war has allowed Islamic State to consolidate its position there -- The Economist

Belgium is a failed state -- Tim King, Politico

Obama’s Dem Allies Revolt Over Syria -- Tim Mak, Daily Beast

The 75 Skills Everyone Should Master -- Esquire