"What do three highly symbolic events in the history of the Arab and Muslim world in the 21st century - the attacks of September 11, 2001, the revolts of 2011 (the Arab Spring) and the recent offensive by the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria - have in common? … All three were catalysts allowing the genesis and the spread of new conspiracy theories. … In the Middle East, which is coveted by others because of its geographical position, its energy resources and its confrontational coexistence with the state of Israel, how do we draw the line between conspiracy theory and the simple gamesmanship of the great powers?"