James Foley killing: Why ISIS beheaded the U.S. journalist

The gruesome video showing the beheading of journalist James Foley may actually be fuelling the popularity of ISIS, which is likely unconcerned that the "barbarity" of the video will galvanize American support for U.S. airstrikes in Iraq.

"They [Islamic State militants] believe these actions serve them," said Scott Stewart, vice-president of tactical analysis for the geopolitical intelligence firm Stratfor.

"For months, they’ve been beheading, amputating the hands of thieves, crucifying people in areas they control in Syria," said Stewart, a former special agent with the U.S. State Department who was involved in hundreds of terrorism investigations.

"Despite these barbaric displays … it's been successful. They've been able to grow and flourish, and they have been able to attract people to their cause despite this barbarity — perhaps because of it."...