Term(s) Alternative(s) Why?

Amaq News Agency

Al Hayat Media Centre Daesh’s propaganda unit, Amaq Daesh does not produce objective news or facts. Employing Daesh’s terms plays into its narrative and misleads the reader.

Caliphate Daesh-held territory Using ‘Caliphate’ gives Daesh false legitimacy as it is not a legitimate state.

Daesh military commanders / generals Senior Daesh terrorist Using warlike terminology implies that Daesh is a legitimate state actor which it is not.

Emir

Caliph Terrorist Emir and caliph confer a positive connotation and a level of legitimacy to Daesh’s claims of an Islamic caliphate.

Foreign fighters Terrorist

Foreign terrorist fighter Avoid as it can glorify criminal activity.

Islamic Islamist Avoid using ‘Islamic’ so as not to conflate Islam with terrorism. An Islamist is someone who wishes to impose their interpretation of Islam on society, usually expressed as a desire to enforce Sharia.

Islamic State

IS / ISIL / ISIS Daesh Daesh is not a state and no legitimacy should be given or implied. The Arabic acronym Daesh has a negative connotation.

Jihad / Jihadi / Mujahid(a) / Mujahideen

Fighter / Perpetrator / Terrorist

*(only when sure of accuracy)

These terms theologically legitimize the perpetrator’s intentions and ignores the complex religious meanings of ‘jihad’. If reporting insists on its usage, ensure it is distinguished as ‘violent jihad’.

Jihadi bride Avoid this term as it negates women’s agency.

Lone wolf Lone actor ‘Wolf’ has a positive, almost heroic connotation. Care should be taken not to glorify criminal activity.

Mastermind(s) Perpetrator Mastermind gives credit to the criminal.

Rumiyah Daesh’s propaganda paper/ magazine Rumiyah should be clarified as Daesh’s propaganda paper.

Soldier(s) Fighter(s), Perpetrator(s) War terminology should be avoided as it incites fear and adds a sense of authority and legitimacy to both the crime and criminal.

Terrorist Avoid term until confirmed by relevant authorities. During an attack describe the action ex. ‘bombers’ or ‘gunmen’.

Terrorist attack As Above. Only use when law enforcement and appropriate authorities have declared this.