Islamic State ‘now controls resources and territory unmatched in history of extremist organizations'

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But it's not just the land itself. It's what the land holds that suggests the true extent of the Islamic State's power. It "now controls a volume of resources and territory unmatched in the history of extremist organizations," wrote defense expert Janine Davidson of the Council of Foreign Relations. She added: "Should [the Islamic State] continue this pattern of consolidation and expansion, this terrorist ‘army' will eventually be able to exert a destabilizing influence far beyond the immediate area."