11.2 The emergence and expansion of ISIS

ISIS emerged from the ashes of conflict in Iraq, evolving from a small extremist group to a powerful force controlling vast territories. Its rise was fueled by sectarian tensions, power vacuums, and effective propaganda, exploiting instability in Iraq and Syria.

The group's brutal tactics and extremist ideology shocked the world, prompting a global response. While ISIS lost its territorial caliphate, its impact on regional politics and security continues to reverberate, highlighting the complex challenges of combating extremism in the Middle East.

Origins and Rise of ISIS

Origins and evolution of ISIS

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• Founded by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in 1999 as Jamaat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad, a Sunni Islamist extremist group
  • Pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda in 2004, becoming Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) to fight against U.S. forces and the Shia-led Iraqi government
• Rebranded as Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) in 2006 after al-Zarqawi's death in a U.S. airstrike
  • Led by Abu Omar al-Baghdadi and Abu Ayyub al-Masri, aimed to establish an Islamic caliphate in Iraq
• Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi became leader in 2010 after deaths of al-Baghdadi and al-Masri in a joint U.S.-Iraqi operation
  • Expanded into Syria in 2011, exploiting the power vacuum and instability created by the Syrian Civil War
• Renamed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in 2013 to reflect its broader regional ambitions
• Captured Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, in June 2014 in a swift and shocking offensive
  • Declared a caliphate with al-Baghdadi as caliph, claiming religious authority over all Muslims worldwide
• Controlled vast territories in Syria and Iraq at its peak in 2014-2015, including major cities (Raqqa, Fallujah) and key infrastructure (oil fields, dams)

Factors in ISIS territorial control

• Power vacuum created by U.S. withdrawal from Iraq in 2011 left a weakened and fragmented Iraqi security apparatus
  • Weakened Iraqi security forces struggled to maintain control and prevent ISIS expansion
• Sectarian policies of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki exacerbated tensions and alienated Sunni population
  • Marginalized Sunni population, fueling resentment and creating fertile ground for ISIS recruitment
• Syrian Civil War provided opportunities for expansion and establishment of a stronghold
  • Exploited chaos and instability to establish presence and gain control of territory in eastern Syria
• Effective propaganda and recruitment strategies attracted foreign fighters and garnered local support
  • Utilized social media (Twitter, YouTube) to spread its message and attract recruits from around the world
• Substantial financial resources enabled ISIS to fund its operations and provide services in controlled areas
  • Seized oil fields, imposed taxes, and engaged in smuggling to generate revenue
• Brutality and intimidation tactics suppressed local resistance and enforced strict control over population
  • Employed public executions, torture, and strict enforcement of Sharia law to instill fear and compliance

Ideology, Governance, and Response to ISIS

ISIS ideology and strategies

• Ideology rooted in extremist Salafi-jihadist interpretation of Islam, seeking to establish a global caliphate
  • Claimed to establish a caliphate governed by strict Sharia law, rejecting modern nation-states and borders
  • Promoted sectarianism, targeting Shia Muslims and other religious minorities as apostates or infidels
  • Embraced anti-Western sentiment, framing its struggle as a battle against crusaders and their allies
• Recruitment strategies targeted disenfranchised and radicalized individuals, particularly young men
  • Sophisticated use of social media and online propaganda to reach a global audience
  • Promised a sense of purpose, belonging, and adventure, appealing to those seeking identity and meaning
  • Exploited local grievances, presenting itself as a defender of Sunni Muslims against oppression
• Governance practices aimed at establishing a functioning state apparatus in controlled territories
  • Provided public services (healthcare, education) and infrastructure (roads, electricity) to gain local support
  • Imposed strict social codes (dress, behavior) and harsh punishments (amputations, crucifixions) to enforce control
  • Exploited local grievances and presented itself as a protector of Sunni Muslims against Shia-led governments

International response to ISIS

• U.S.-led coalition launched airstrikes against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria starting in August 2014
  • Supported local forces, including Iraqi security forces and Kurdish fighters (Peshmerga, YPG), with training and equipment
• Increased intelligence sharing and counterterrorism cooperation among nations to disrupt ISIS networks and prevent attacks
• Efforts to disrupt ISIS financing by targeting its oil infrastructure, cutting off foreign donations, and imposing sanctions
• Support for political reforms and reconciliation efforts in Iraq and Syria to address underlying grievances and reduce ISIS appeal
  • Aimed at promoting inclusive governance, reducing sectarian tensions, and reintegrating former ISIS members
• Military campaigns gradually recaptured ISIS-held territories, liberating major cities and key infrastructure
  • Iraqi forces, backed by U.S.-led coalition, retook Mosul in July 2017 after a grueling nine-month battle
  • Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by U.S. airstrikes, captured ISIS capital Raqqa in October 2017
• ISIS lost most of its territorial control in Iraq and Syria by March 2019, retreating to remote desert areas
  • Remained a threat as an insurgency, carrying out attacks and exploiting security gaps
  • Continued to inspire and claim responsibility for terrorist attacks worldwide through its affiliates and supporters