Islamic State Leader Criticized for Bling

MOSUL, Iraq (WNB) - The new self-anointed leader of The Islamic State is drawing criticism from many of his followers because of a video showing him wearing an expensive wristwatch.

Referring to himself as 'Caliph Ibrahim,' Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi spoke publicly for the first time at Mosul's Great Mosque on Friday, exhorting his followers to "obey" him "as the leader who presides over you."

Wearing black robes to evoke memories of the last Caliphs to rule from Baghdad, the jihadist broke with tradition by sporting the watch and other modern accessories.

One man expressed the thoughts of many of his fellow Muslims, saying, "Our Caliph looks like a Jewish pimp. Not so sure I really want to die for him, no matter how many virgins."

 

 

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi