Outside officials may reminisce about so-called stability in the age of dictators, but it will not be possible for any Saddam-like strongman to emerge, no matter what Western, Arab, or Iranian leaders may believe. . ..…

While bin Laden was more concerned with overthrowing Arab dictators, eliminating Israel and knocking over Western symbols of power, al- Baghdadi focused more on reviving the glory of the past. ..…

Islamic State militants responded by beheading Western captives, beginning with freelance American journalist James Foley, and posting their deeds in gruesome online videos. . The U.S. and Arab allies eventually expanded the military campaign to target IS fighters with airstrikes in Syria,..…