The Black Market is a global norm; it exists, and it’s tentacles attach to every nation and land. It prospers from the fact people want illegal things.

If you’re curious how strong anti-U.S. sentiment is around the world, look no further than ISIS and Al-Qaeda. Funding comes in subtle and not-so-subtle ways through the Black Market. But, none of it is aboveboard. Lately, there has been a realization that finances might unravel roots of terror. The Black Market is raging across the globe. Always, nations will in a state of lawlessness. That is because the Black Market prospers in uncertain environments.

Terror groups are strategic to both undermine law based society and America. ISIL and Al-Qaeda exist where cultures collide. They fill a vacuum of anarchy with organized havoc and violence. But they’re for hire and for a smuggler they’re an ideal partner. They provide relative safety and safe passage. At the same time, when a smuggler pays off a jihadi group, it’s also in support, because the US is the top dog in the war on drugs and corruption, globally. As such, terrorism undermines our global efforts.

In an interesting statement with remarkable clarity, Saudi ambassador to London wrote that ISIL is a symptom of global neglect. Terrorism fills a void and progresses the interests of many nation states. It’s because of corrupt leaders and nation states. It is all about money and thus, resources. Leaders are lining their pockets in self-interest and damning their people. Terrorists simply are militants with extreme beliefs. They’re not superhuman, but by allowing them to exist, they’ve become Frankenstein’s monster. It’s not fair to point the finger at the United States. It’s a global phenomenon.

But for international drug lords and the black market, the instability terrorism fosters makes them safer. Those who live in the dark corners of the earth believe only the sharks survive. They believe the world is corrupt. They have no faith in humanity and benefit from the truth in their ideology.  The DEA, Treasury, and other agencies not immediately associated with Counter Terrorism could deliver the fatal blow; because without funding Al-Qaeda and ISIL cannot offer jobs, training and answers for those with nothing.

Despite the Black Market, the real problem, financing terrorism remains unchecked within Islamic nations. However where the money is funneled, it is from sympathetic wealthy individuals in countries like Saudi Arabia to ISIL and Al-Qaeda, a system where clerics are foremost thought leaders with authority. Clerics regarded as religious scholars; that abide fundamental beliefs without censorship, who do not abide foreign intervention, have radicalized some of their patrons. The rhetoric doesn’t fall on deaf ears, and Saudis are the largest sect of foreign fighters in extremist groups.

Unfortunately, Wahabism is the bulwark of the Saudi Kingdom, and when exported feeds extremists. One of many examples where nation-state interests play an unfortunate role in its external environment. Foot soldiers of ISIL believe they’re fighting the one true war of light versus dark, a war against blasphemy.

Those profiting from the existence of extremist groups will be in their crosshairs some day. The same goes for those smuggling funds within the Kingdom. ISIL will strip them of their wealth given the opportunity.

Featured image courtesy of flightfox.com.