I just read an article about the Islamic State's treatment of Christians in Mosul. The more I hear about these militant religious groups the more I think they want to force the timeline of human history backward. I believe their ultimate goal is to unmake thousands of years of human progress so that the most brutal and insensate among us can rule with absolute certainty over those who are not bold enough to challenge them. The seismic shift of politics to nationalism and authoritarianism only reinforces this point.