Why the ISIS leader's new audiotape deserves your attention

The newly released audiotape from Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is important for a number of reasons. But it could also portend new near-term terrorist attacks against the West.

Strongly believed to be Baghdadi’s voice, the audiotape represents the first time ISIS’ leader has been heard from for 11 months. That long gap is not because Baghdadi didn’t have an audio recorder at hand. It’s because Baghdadi knows that any digital or electronic connection he establishes and any courier he entertains gives the U.S. and its allies added means of detecting and capturing or killing him. Still, Baghdadi’s silence until now is also believed to be a function of injuries he sustained during an air strike earlier in the conflict.