"This New World is not for the Faint Hearted": Confronting the Many Dimensions of Philippe-Joseph Salazar's Words Are Weapons: Inside ISIS's Rhetoric of Terror (original) (raw)

This review critically engages with Philippe-Joseph Salazar's "Words Are Weapons: Inside ISIS's Rhetoric of Terror," highlighting both its contributions and limitations. While acknowledging the book's significance in the context of Western-led interventions and the formation of ISIS, the review raises concerns about Salazar's framing of the Islamic State as a "Caliphate," his interpretations of language appropriation, and the need for more robust evidence to support his claims. Additionally, it compares the violence of ISIS with other global instances, suggesting that the discourse surrounding terror requires a more nuanced understanding of historical and cultural contexts.