As fear of militants from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria rises in the United States after the beheading of two American journalists, and President Obama lines up support for the use of force against ISIS, the backlash against the movement has already begun in the Arab world. Evidence of that can be seen and heard on Tuesday nights in Lebanon in the Beirut cabaret Metro al-Madina, where the band Al-Rahel Al-Kabir, or the Great Departed, has been performing this month their satirical hymn to the militant leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to uproarious laughter from the packed hall.

“Oh master Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, you, who rule by God’s rules,” the group sings in the mock ode, “you will lead God’s servants to an abyss like no other.” A recent performance of "Madad Baghdadi," a song mocking the leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, by the Great Departed in Beirut.  The song of false praise continues: “And because Islam is merciful, we shall butcher and hand out meat. And because we need to reduce traffic, we will blow up human beings.” [Link]