I refer to Joseph Zarb’s letter (January 26) where he asks for an alternative name for Islamic State.
An alternative already exists, Daesh, a title officially used by both the UK and French governments. The word itself is an acronym in Arabic and the following quote is from the BBC, where Mr Zarb and others will find a lot more about it.
“Daesh is essentially an Arabic acronym formed from the initial letters of the group’s previous name in Arabic – al-Dawla al-Islamiya fil Iraq wa al-Sham.
Although it does not mean anything as a word in Arabic, it sounds unpleasant and the group’s supporters object to its use.”