Black Flags of the Caribbean: How Trinidad Became an ISIS Hotspot

Simon Cottee's book investigates how ISIS gained a significant foothold in Trinidad, featuring interviews with families, friends, Muslim activists, community leaders, imams, politicians, and intelligence agents.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Caribbean may not be the first region that comes to mind when we think about ISIS, but in 2017, Trinidad and Tobago ranked first in the list of Western countries with the highest rates of foreign-fighter radicalization. Over 240 nationals from the country traveled to Syria and Iraq to join the ISIS caliphate. In his book, Simon Cottee delves into how ISIS managed to establish such a significant foothold in Trinidad, based on a three-year investigation that included interviews with the families and friends of those who left to join the jihad, Muslim activists and community leaders, imams, politicians, and intelligence agents. The book presents a comprehensive analysis of the social forces and communities in Trinidad that have been affected by ISIS.

The investigation reveals that Trinidad and Tobago has a complex history of religious and social diversity, which has contributed to the country's vulnerability to the spread of extremist ideologies. The country has a large Muslim population, particularly from the Indo-Trinidadian community, which has faced discrimination and marginalization in the past. This has created a sense of grievance and frustration among some members of the community, who may be more susceptible to the messages of ISIS.

Furthermore, the country's location on the Gulf of Mexico and its proximity to Latin America and the Caribbean make it a potential transit point for individuals traveling to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS. The government of Trinidad and Tobago has been criticized for its response to the threat of ISIS, with some arguing that it has been too slow to address the issue and others suggesting that it has been too aggressive in its counter-terrorism measures.

Despite these challenges, there are also examples of resilience and resistance to ISIS in Trinidad and Tobago. Muslim activists and community leaders have worked to promote moderate Islam and counter the narrative of ISIS. They have also collaborated with the government to address the root causes of radicalization, such as poverty and social inequality.

In conclusion, ISIS has managed to establish a significant foothold in Trinidad and Tobago, despite the country's relatively low profile in the global fight against terrorism. The book by Simon Cottee provides valuable insights into the social forces and communities that have been affected by ISIS, and highlights the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response to the threat of extremist ideologies.

Weight: 244g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780755616923