PAUL WOOD

The jihadists of ISIS wish to go back to what they see as a more pure form of Islam from the time of the Prophet and his companions. They believe in a literal interpretation of the Koran.

Nobody should believe something just because an intelligence agent says it.

In all the towns and villages it controls, ISIS has implemented its very conservative version of Sharia. Rules on appearance are strictly enforced: a beard for men, the full veil for women. This is required for the whole population.

War damages men - and Syria is no different.

There are now two Syrias. One is run by men who fight for God, not democracy. The other is ruled by a secular but authoritarian regime accused of many crimes against its people. The choice between the two will not be decided at the polls.

Nobody should believe something just because an intelligence agent says it.

There are now two Syrias. One is run by men who fight for God, not democracy. The other is ruled by a secular but authoritarian regime accused of many crimes against its people. The choice between the two will not be decided at the polls.

In all the towns and villages it controls, ISIS has implemented its very conservative version of Sharia. Rules on appearance are strictly enforced: a beard for men, the full veil for women. This is required for the whole population.

War damages men - and Syria is no different.

The jihadists of ISIS wish to go back to what they see as a more pure form of Islam from the time of the Prophet and his companions. They believe in a literal interpretation of the Koran.