Memories of the Islamic State’s 2014-2015 “caliphate” peak in Iraq and Syria colour views of its present capacity, leading officials and observers either to exaggerate or understate its threat. In Iraq, the group does pose a danger. Gauging it properly is key to containing it.

Several complex and gruesome attacks, including on a hospital in Kabul and a funeral in Nangarhar, claimed more than 100 civilian casualties on Tuesday, risking further erosion of the atmosphere for delayed intra-Afghan peace talks. Amid widespread horror and anger at the attacks, President Ghani blamed the Taliban and announced Afghan security forces would drop their defensive posture and resume […]