Great Question. One thats puzzled me as well. I've concluded that they recruit young people in Non-Islamic countries by presenting this battle as one that is a repeat of the original wars the Prophet Mohammed was involved in. As important as that and a Unique battle within a history that has seen ongoing battle. And a war (Caliphate) that the Prophet "Himself" desires their participation in. And that its not as gruesome as the Media portrays it to be.
The latter I think is very likely true, that its not all blood and guts everywhere over there, in their struggle. The Western Media and especially the US Government need an enemy to keep the American people scared so that we don't object to huge Contract for Military Contractors, TSA and other entities the guv can shuffle our tax $$$ towards.
It began with Osama and will never end, this is how it will be. We will always have an "enemy" and the Western Media will forever going forward barrage us with fear inspiring stories about that enemy.
My confusion is why if 98% of Islamic People are not fanatics they don't rise up against ISIS and other groups like these and crush them.
The only reasonable answer I can find is that, as Buddha put it, "All Life is Suffering". That we are supposed to suffer here. Thats the production, the "play" we've signed up for...by default, by being alive here in this physical dimension.
The Philosophy of Determination says there is only one way things can turn out, seems to suggest that the sort of suffering we as a species are enduring and have endured for all time (warring, lack of concern for/ evil done unto others, nationalism blinding us, lured and caged by silly religious institutions.False Prophets) to me at least that there Suffering is what it is here thats the only way this story can/will play out.
Because we never seem to evolve...past warfare.
Where Buddha arrived at on it, after gaining "enlightenment" + that Philosophy of Determination are the tools I employ to say "Oh Well" and just let the savages tear each other up. Terrible way to be, I know. Feels like there is not much I can personally do to help set humanity on a better course though. So many men and women greater than I have come here and tried and look where we are.
Precisely where "we" (humanity) are supposed to be?
Certainly a strong argument can be made that it is. Cuz its where we've been and continually are, as a species.