Reuters: Islamic State seen overtaking al Qaeda in South Asia social media war
Islamist militant propaganda websites and social media accounts in South Asia are promoting Islamic State at the expense of al Qaeda, analysts said on Friday, highlighting the rivalry between the two global militant groups.
Disaffected Taliban factions have started to look toward Islamic State, impressed by its rapid capture of territory in Syria and Iraq, though there is no evidence it is providing substantial material support to the Taliban.
The popularity of IS comes at the expense of al Qaeda, whose deep pockets and foreign fighters once readily attracted local commanders. But al Qaeda has been decimated by drone strikes and its traditional influence severely eroded.
Update #1: Fighting likely between the Islamic State and Taliban in South Asia -- IHS Jane's 360
Update #2: Terrorist turf war: Taliban warns Islamic State to stay out of Afghanistan. -- Washington Times
WNU Editor: Even with these differences, the following analysis that these groups will probably end up merging is probably right .... Despite Current Friction, Taliban and ISIS Could Eventually Merge Forces in Afghanistan (Lisa Curtis, Daily Signal).
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