ISIS Connection to Nice Terrorist Remains Unclear

Despite an item appearing in an Islamic State-affiliated magazine proclaiming the terrorist who killed 84 people in Nice, France, on Thursday as an ISIS “soldier,” the exact relationship between organization and operative remains unclear. Not an insignificant point, whether the terrorist was “inspired” by ISIS exploits and rhetoric; or whether the group is planning, arming and dispatching terrorists is a major distinction important to counter-terrorism experts everywhere. The magazine item included a threat to other Western nations, warning that France is not the only target for ISIS killers. It is also not known whether Mohamed Bouhlel acted alone or was assisted by others. On Saturday, five persons and the suspect’s wife were arrested by French police on charges of being involved with Bouhlel, but how that help manifested was not revealed. Once again, as with other recent terror suspects, the now-deceased killer was said to have been known by police but not placed on any watch list. Bouhlel’s family says Mohamed was under psychological treatment for years prior to the attack while friends have noted the family seemed to be involved with religion despite media reports indicating the killer shouted “Allah is great” while carrying out his attack.