Pizza, perhaps the most famous and appreciated Italian dish in the world, lands in the area of Sirte, a city under the control of the Islamic State. It is the latest in the ISIS internal propaganda strategy.
The images published on the channels YouTube close to the terrorists, they show a commander of the black militias ordering a pizza (at first sight with cheese, olives and peppers). The pizza maker prepares everything and puts the steaming pizza in a box with the words "Buon Appetito" written on it. In addition to the pizzeria, a sweet shop with h24 baked cream cakes was also opened last week.
They are clearly different images than usual, considering the brutal nature of the movement, but they always fall into that sort of internal propaganda. It should be noted that ISIS considers itself a form of government structured by law, even if these rules may seem absurd, in the name of that medieval interpretation of Islamic law. These videos reflect a specific directive from Al-Baghdadi which, last July, prohibited the dissemination of violent videos, if not carefully edited. The caliph would have worried about the public image of ISIS on the world scene. Video that, according to what the ISIS number one would have issued in a decree, could offend other Muslims around the globe. We know that the decision of al-Baghdadi has created a rift among the high caliph officials, convinced of the need to transmit to the world these atrocities perpetrated against the enemy of the Islamic State.
The objective of ISIS is to present a religious state, in line with Islamic jurisprudence that responds to moral authority. Just to give an example. When, two years ago, the jihadists conquered Mosul, they immediately gave a strong signal, demonstrating to the population that they wanted to bring stability, encouraging the resumption of daily life. Four months later, although with a completely different study profile, the University of Mosul also reopened with leaflets scattered around the city. "The lessons will resume the 24 Dhu al-Hijjah 1435 (18 October 2014 in the western calendar)".
Archeology is a science banned by the Islamic State. The destruction of ancient artifacts or better, of all pre-Islamic works is considered legitimate. The relics "jahiliyah" or the period of ignorance must be canceled (or better sold to the collectors' black market for millions of dollars). Archeology, according to ISIS, could lead to idolatry, strictly prohibited in Islam. The teachers, to return to teaching, had to attend some sessions of Sharia, to learn what is no longer tolerated by ISIS. The teachers then resumed their work, but with the conditions imposed by the Caliphate. First culture and then tourism.
There are no more hotels and hotels under the ISIS. All the accommodation facilities have been transformed into reception centers or rented apartments for wealthy citizens. The Islamic State also outlines a policy of rent control, which must never be exorbitant and encourage spiritual rewards for tenants.
The Isis Health Department manages all the hospitals. Active maternity wards, clinics and mobile vaccination units. In the latter case, the Caliphate is even "modern". Unlike that absurd interpretation of religion, as happens in Afghanistan in areas under Taliban control, vaccination is guaranteed for the population under the Daesh government. In Pakistan the polio mortality rate is among the highest in the world due to the vaccinations prohibited by the Taliban: the vaccine is considered a demonic weapon, a prohibited substance. Not for ISIS that besides health, it turns out to be in step with the times also for "equal rights" compared to radical counterparts. The Taliban prohibit education for all girls, while the Caliphate allows women to go to school, albeit in an environment separate from men. ISIS has respect for the environment. The use of explosives to fish to prevent damage to the ecosystem is prohibited.
What for the West is a real monster, for the population it could also appear as a "just" government. For example. The first thing ISIS did in Syria was to lower the price of bread. A move welcomed with enthusiasm by the people.
ISIS control is still absolute, but nothing is left to chance. In the new geographic map a transport line has been created that connects Raqqa, Mosul and Qaim. They are the new provinces created by the organization in the conquered territory. And within the latter, even entertainment is regulated. You can play "Foosball" (known to us as table football), but the players' heads must all be removed to avoid idolatry. A fatwa on entertainment continues to define chess, billiards and other "contemporary" games as unhealthy for Muslims, but a practice match can also be done if this does not detract from religious obligations. Finally, it is evident that ISIS theorists know religious texts all too well and pursue a total indoctrination of the individual that becomes impervious to any external rebuttal. A technique used by every totalitarian regime.
By publishing these videos (the inauguration of pizzerias and bakeries) the Caliphate wants to send the world two very specific messages: on the one hand to prove that it is a legitimate and fully efficient state and on the other to succeed where Al-Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood they have failed and, that is, in the creation of a "kingdom", of a "State" that can last over time.
It is obviously a propaganda message, in an attempt to continue making proselytes reassuring about the stability of Caliphate that, despite the defeats, continues its expansion.
