Will al-Qaeda and IS unite?
Several reports indicate that an alliance between al-Qaeda and the Islamic State may take place in Iraq after the liberation of Mosul.
Iraqi Vice President Ayad Allawi has revealed that al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) are discussing a possible alliance. Despite their differences, rapprochement is possible between the two, especially if a change in leadership occurs in one of these groups.
Allawi said in a press statement April 17, “Negotiations have already begun. There are discussions and dialogues between representatives of [Abu Bakr] al-Baghdadi and [Ayman] al-Zawahri," in reference to the leaders of IS and al-Qaeda, respectively. Also, Allawi added, “I can't see IS disappearing into thin air. They will remain covertly in sleeping cells, spreading their venom all over the world.”
