About five months ago, I posted a blog called “Islamic State 2050” which predicted a softer, gentler Islamic State in the year 2050, one which will be more “open,” and “accommodating to the West.” The point was that the IS had to do so because for the past 35 years of its existence it had become a pariah state (rightfully so) due to the barbarity that it had displayed in its early years.

One of the predictions in my blog was that the IS will stop its public hangings in favor of more “indoor” hangings. So, lo and behold—that prediction came true…and much faster that I thought! The guru—sorry, the Caliph—of the Islamic State has issued a decree (fatwa, I guess?) banning videos of public beheadings. The polishing of the IS image has already begun. Pretty soon they will have their comprehensive agreement with the UN Security Council. Incidentally, does anyone know if Hooman Majd has taken a recent trip to Raqqa?