The Islamic State, Macbeth, and House of Cards. How different are they Really?

Article used: http://time.com/3710610/libya-coptic-christians-isis-egypt/

In the words of Frank Underwood from the TV show House of Cards: "The road to power is paved with hypocrisy, and casualties." What Kevin Spacey’s character says in the show encompasses just about everything that Macbeth is about. Macbeth is a story about doing anything to obtain power, and perhaps more importantly about how far the pursuit of power can push someone. Macbeth is willing to kill anyone in his path in order to become king of Scotland. In the Middle East, The Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS), is willing to do the same. They have been killing everyone that stands in their way, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Americans, Europeans, civilians, journalists, Christians, Shiites, no one is safe from their ruthlessness. The most recent major killings by ISIS were the beheadings of 21 Christians. These innocent people, who were mostly, if not entirely composed of civilians, were killed just because of their religion. ISIS’s quest for power has been successful thus far, and they have proven that they will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. Macbeth is the same way, and is very similar to ISIS in this particular manor, however the two do share a major difference.

It is evident that Macbeth feels remorse for what he is doing. This is displayed when he sees Banquo’s ghost, and also begins to hallucinate in other ways. There is no doubt that although he desires power, the pursuit of power is taking an immense emotional toll on him as a man. ISIS does not appear to feel remorse for what they are doing. They are ruthless and will do anything no matter the repercussions. The article listed above, by Time Magazine, was about how ISIS beheaded 21 Christians on video, and how before doing so, a member pointed his knife across the sea, and towards Rome and said, “We will conquer Rome.” This is a chilling message, as Libya, where the hostages were killed, is just across the mediterranean, south of Rome. Does this mean that ISIS will expand their global quest for power out of the Middle East, and try to conquer Rome? Only time will tell, but considering what they have done in the past, it is not wise to underestimate what they are capable of. Macbeth’s main goal throughout the play is to become the king of Scotland. Although this does not require much conquering, as he is already a major political figure, what he does bears an uncanny resemblance to what ISIS plans to do.

Without a doubt, ISIS’s actions in the Middle East and Macbeth’s actions in Macbeth do bear some resemblance. Although their goals are very similar, and their means of attaining their goals are as well, Macbeth’s remorse and regret for his actions are the major difference. ISIS shows no mercy, and certainly has no regrets, as they firmly believe that what they are doing is justified by religion. Macbeth was not motivated by religion, but rather a personal pursuit of power, that ultimately lead to his death. Although the story of ISIS has not yet, or maybe never will, come to a close, there are undeniable similarities between Macbeth and ISIS that could help to provide a new angle on what is happening in the Middle East, or even help people who still don’t quite get what ISIS is all about to better understand their motives.