This time, a suicide attack unleashed terror in Iraq. It has been claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group that its affiliates wreaked havoc in Baghdad and Istanbul within a couple of days. During the New Year’s attack at a popular Istanbul nightclub, 39 people were killed and scores of others sustained injuries. In the latest terrorist attack in Baghdad, a suicide bomber driving a pickup loaded with explosives struck a bustling market on Monday and killed at least 36 people. It shows that there is no respite from terror as the incidents of violence are recurring again and again in the Middle East and neighbouring states. The IS is targeting those countries that have mounted a campaign against the militant group. The frequent terror and bomb attacks have claimed numerous lives all over the world. Tranquility, people’s welfare, economic growth and the universal environment will be severely affected if the terror menace is not dealt with cautiously. The time has come now for the countries that are the victims of this threat to stand united and take stern action against the menace of terrorism. Politically unstable regions and war zones are the usual strategic targets of IS (as in the case of Iraq and Syria). IS has a maniacal dedication to expanding its territory and will undoubtedly seize any opportunity to encroach into other states in the Middle East. The involvement of the IS-affiliated persons in terrorist attacks has renewed concerns about security of common citizens. Although the military offensive is going on against militants, yet stakeholder states have failed to completely eliminate the threat of militancy. A point needs to be understood that it is not necessary for the IS to physically shift to its target states. Rather it can wage a war using its local sympathisers and supporters and there is no shortage of perverted minds whose allegiance with the terrorist group will be enough to let loose hell anywhere in the world. Since 2011, the IS has been a major force in Iraq and Syria, surprising the world by making dramatic territory gains. It is being aided by an influx of foreign fighters from around the world. The terror acts in Turkey and Iraq have reminded the world that no place is safe and terrorists can hit anytime and anywhere to spread their nefarious agenda. It is a very difficult situation as it is almost impossible to guard every place. The deployment of troops to every venue is not possible. Only pre-emptive strikes can deter terrorists, who do not care for international boundaries while spreading violence. More importantly, it is also necessary for the West to retrospect its past actions and make for the losses it caused to Muslim states in the Middle East where Islamist insurgents are committing terrorist acts to take revenge of atrocities being committed against the Muslims. In order to stop terrorists, a sensible approach as well as unity at the international level is required. All countries need to get united against the militancy. There is a need to form an international alliance against all those terror mongers and extremist organisations like the IS that pose a threat to world peace. *