From what I understand, while alarming, ISIL was a bit premature in declaring their caliphate. There are several large (some larger than ISIL, though probably not as wealthy) groups that oppose ISIL. Some hold strongly antithetical views. At this point I think it’s just as likely that the caliphate declaration will end up kicking off a major sectarian conflict, rather than launching an islamic-backed pogrom against the “unbelievers”.
“From what I understand, while alarming, ISIL was a bit premature in declaring their caliphate. “
Agree. Looking at this as an amateur tactician, it appears that ISIS, now ISIL, has executed an opportunity lost, much the same as Hitler did when his panders were rolling up the French and Brits then paused to rest and resupply allowing them to escape off the beaches of Dunkirk. Fortunately, for the Iraq government and it’s military, ISIS did much the same by stopping outside of Baghdad when they had the Iraq military knocked back in their heels. Big mistake not punching on to the presidential palace and declaring Baghdad as theirs. Just saying my amateur historical take :)