What kind of organization is ISIS following Al Qaeda and the Taliban? Size and history?

 The History and Scale of ISIS

Introduction

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is one of the most notorious terrorist organizations in modern history. The group has been responsible for numerous atrocities, including mass executions, beheadings, and suicide bombings. In this article, we will explore the history and scale of ISIS, from its origins to its current state.

Definition of ISIS

ISIS is an Islamic extremist group that seeks to establish a caliphate, or Islamic state, in the Middle East. The group has its roots in Al-Qaeda in Iraq, but it has since broken away from the organization and established its own brand of militant jihadism.

Origin of ISIS

ISIS was founded in 1999 by Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda. The group initially operated in Iraq, targeting Shia Muslims and US forces. After al-Zarqawi's death in 2006, the group came under the leadership of Abu Ayyub al-Masri, who rebranded it as the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI).

Rise and Expansion of ISIS

Formation of ISIS

In 2010, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi became the leader of ISI, and the group began to focus on expanding its operations into Syria. In 2013, Baghdadi announced the formation of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and the group quickly gained control of large parts of northern Iraq and eastern Syria.

The role of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi

Al-Zarqawi's vision of an Islamic state was rooted in Sunni extremism and his hatred for Shia Muslims. He advocated for a strategy of sectarian violence, targeting Shia civilians and religious sites in Iraq. His tactics were brutally effective, and he gained a reputation as one of the most ruthless jihadist leaders in the world.

The capture of Mosul and expansion into Syria

In 2014, ISIS captured the city of Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, and declared a caliphate. This move was a significant milestone for the group, as it demonstrated its ability to govern and hold territory. ISIS also expanded into Syria, seizing control of large parts of the country.

Declaration of a caliphate

The declaration of a caliphate was a defining moment for ISIS, as it signaled the group's ambition to become the preeminent jihadist organization in the world

Global expansion of ISIS

ISIS quickly gained a global following, attracting thousands of foreign fighters from around the world. The group also established a sophisticated media apparatus, using social media to recruit new members and spread its message of hate and extremism.

Ideology of ISIS

The Islamic State's interpretation of Sharia law

ISIS' ideology is based on a strict interpretation of Sharia law, which it seeks to implement in the territories it controls. The group has been notorious for its brutality towards those who do not adhere to its extremist views, including Christians, Yazidis, and Shia Muslims.

Tactics and strategies of ISIS

ISIS is known for its use of terrorism and guerrilla tactics, including suicide bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations. The group has also been known to use unconventional weapons, such as car bombs and chemical weapons.

Propaganda and recruitment efforts

ISIS' media apparatus has been instrumental in the group's rise to prominence. The group has produced a vast amount of propaganda, including videos of beheadings and other atrocities, which it uses to recruit new members and spread its extremist message.

ISIS has committed numerous atrocities in the areas under its control, including acts of terrorism, mass executions, and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Some of the most well-known incidents committed by ISIS include:

The beheading of journalists and aid workers: ISIS became infamous for its beheading of Western hostages, including journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and aid workers David Haines and Alan Henning. These brutal acts were often filmed and used for propaganda purposes.

The massacre of Yazidis: In 2014, ISIS militants captured the town of Sinjar in northern Iraq and carried out a massacre of the Yazidi minority population. Thousands were killed or kidnapped, and women and girls were sold into sexual slavery.

The destruction of cultural heritage sites: ISIS has deliberately destroyed numerous ancient monuments and sites in Iraq and Syria, including the ancient city of Palmyra, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Suicide bombings and other attacks: ISIS has carried out numerous suicide bombings and other attacks targeting civilians in Iraq, Syria, and beyond. These attacks have killed and injured thousands of people.

The establishment of a brutal regime: Under ISIS rule, those who did not conform to the group's strict interpretation of Islamic law were subjected to harsh punishments, including amputations, stonings, and public executions.

These are just a few examples of the many atrocities committed by ISIS. The group's actions have had a devastating impact on the people of Iraq, Syria, and the wider region, and have contributed to the ongoing instability and conflict in the area.

Military and Political Actions against ISIS

The US-led coalition and its actions against ISIS

In 2014, the US-led coalition began airstrikes against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria. This was followed by a ground campaign by Iraqi and Kurdish forces, with support from the US and other coalition partners.

Other international actors involved in fighting ISIS

In addition to the US-led coalition, other international actors, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey, have been involved in the fight against ISIS. These countries have pursued their own interests in the region, which has often complicated the fight against the extremist group.

Regional powers involved in fighting ISIS

Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, have also been involved in the fight against ISIS. However, their roles have been more limited than those of other international actors.

The liberation of Mosul and Raqqa

In 2017, Iraqi forces, with support from the US-led coalition, liberated Mosul from ISIS control. This was followed by the liberation of Raqqa, the de facto capital of the caliphate, by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the same year.

Current State of ISIS

Loss of territory and manpower

Since the liberation of Mosul and Raqqa, ISIS has lost much of its territory and manpower. The group's strength has been significantly reduced, but it still remains a threat to security in the region and around the world.

Leadership changes and factions within ISIS

ISIS has undergone several leadership changes since the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019. The group has also experienced internal divisions, with different factions vying for control.

Continued terrorist attacks and propaganda efforts

Despite its losses, ISIS continues to carry out terrorist attacks around the world. The group has also intensified its propaganda efforts, using social media to spread its extremist message and recruit new members.

Conclusions

The rise and fall of ISIS have had a profound impact on the global jihadist movement. The group's use of extreme violence and its ability to capture and hold territory have demonstrated the danger posed by extremist groups. The fight against ISIS has also highlighted the complexities of regional politics and the challenges of working with international partners.

FAQs

What is the difference between ISIS and Al-Qaeda?

ISIS and Al-Qaeda are both jihadist organizations with similar goals, but they have different tactics and strategies. ISIS is known for its brutal violence and its use of social media, while Al-Qaeda has focused more on attacks against Western targets.

How did ISIS gain so much territory so quickly?

ISIS was able to take advantage of political instability and sectarian tensions in Iraq and Syria to gain territory quickly. The group also benefited from the support of local Sunni tribes, who were disillusioned with the central governments in both Iraq and Syria.3. Why did so many foreign fighters join ISIS?

There are a variety of reasons why individuals join extremist groups like ISIS, including a sense of belonging, ideological commitment, and the desire for adventure or purpose in life. Additionally, ISIS was able to attract foreign fighters by promising them a sense of glory and the opportunity to participate in a "holy war."

What is the current status of ISIS?

While ISIS has suffered significant losses in terms of territory and manpower, the group continues to pose a threat to security in the region and around the world. The group has also intensified its propaganda efforts in recent years, using social media to spread its extremist message and recruit new members.

What can be done to prevent the rise of extremist groups like ISIS in the future?

Preventing the rise of extremist groups like ISIS requires a multifaceted approach, including addressing the root causes of extremism, promoting economic and political stability in affected regions, and working with local communities to counter extremist messaging and recruitment efforts.