American-led airstrikes recruit as many terrorists as they kill. How many times must we repeat the same mistakes?

The Islamic State is the wealthiest and most powerful terrorist organization in human history. It controls vast stretches of Iraq and Syria, land that some 10 million people call home. It's also animated by an end-times narrative in which it sees itself as an active participant. According to its apocalyptic worldview, the caliphate will be restored at the end of history, at which point the Muslims will confront the Christian crusaders in the northern Syrian town of Dabiq. In 2014, the Islamic State "fought ferociously" to capture Dabiq, which has no little to no military significance.

How did the situation get so bad? Without a doubt, the Islamic State's apocalyptic vision has attracted many recruits from around the world. What could be more exciting than fighting the forces of evil in the grand battle for cosmic justice? As one jihadist told Reuters in 2014, "If you think all these mujahideen came from across the world to fight [the Syrian leader] Assad, you're mistaken.