Introducing “Caliphate,” a New York Times Audio Series

The podcast delves into the world of ISIS, exploring its origins, motivations, and global impact. It highlights the alarming fact that despite extensive efforts and resources, terrorist groups have increased since 9/11, becoming more diverse in their strategies and tools. Rukmini Callimachi, a New York Times reporter specializing in ISIS, shares her investigative approach, which involves on-the-ground reporting in ISIS-liberated areas to uncover documents and personal accounts. These primary sources provide insights into the daily lives, struggles, and internal communications of ISIS members. Callimachi also recounts the threats she has faced due to her reporting, including online harassment and a targeted threat that led to an unsettling encounter at her home, illustrating the personal risks involved in covering such a dangerous topic.