11.2 The emergence and expansion of ISIS
4 min read•july 23, 2024
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 , 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 in 1999 as Jamaat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad, a Sunni Islamist extremist group
- Pledged allegiance to in 2004, becoming Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) to fight against U.S. forces and the Shia-led Iraqi government
- Rebranded as (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
- 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
- Renamed (ISIS) or (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 (, 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 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 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 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 , 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 (, 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
Key Terms to Review (22)
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) from 2010 until his death in 2019. He played a crucial role in the emergence and expansion of ISIS, leading the group through a period of rapid territorial gains and the establishment of a self-proclaimed caliphate in 2014.
Abu musab al-zarqawi: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was a Jordanian militant leader and the founder of al-Qaeda in Iraq, which later evolved into ISIS. He played a critical role in the emergence of extremist movements in Iraq following the U.S. invasion in 2003, shaping the tactics and ideology that would define future jihadist groups in the region. His brutal methods and focus on sectarian violence significantly influenced the dynamics of insurgency and terrorism in Iraq and laid the groundwork for the rise of ISIS.
Al-Qaeda: Al-Qaeda is a militant Islamist organization founded by Osama bin Laden in the late 1980s, known for carrying out terrorist attacks against various targets, primarily in the West and the Middle East. The group's ideology promotes jihad against what it perceives as enemies of Islam, influencing both regional and global politics through its acts of violence and the establishment of networks that inspire other extremist movements.
Battle of Raqqa: The Battle of Raqqa was a significant military engagement that took place from 2016 to 2017, marking a crucial phase in the campaign against ISIS in Syria. This battle aimed to liberate the city of Raqqa, which served as the de facto capital of ISIS, symbolizing both a tactical victory and a blow to the group's territorial control and ideological stronghold in the region.
Caliphate: A caliphate is a form of Islamic government led by a caliph, who is considered the political and religious successor to the Prophet Muhammad. The concept of a caliphate has deep historical roots in Islam, representing a unified Muslim community under a single leader who governs according to Islamic law (Sharia). In the context of contemporary movements, particularly ISIS, the revival of the caliphate has been portrayed as a means to restore a perceived lost glory of Islam and establish control over territories.
Capture of Mosul: The Capture of Mosul refers to the seizure of the city of Mosul in Iraq by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in June 2014, marking a significant turning point in the group's emergence and expansion. This event not only demonstrated ISIS's military capabilities but also allowed them to establish a stronghold in northern Iraq, which facilitated their rapid territorial expansion across the region.
Foreign fighters: Foreign fighters refer to individuals who travel from their home country to another nation, typically to engage in armed conflict or join militant groups. In the context of the emergence and expansion of ISIS, foreign fighters played a crucial role in bolstering the ranks of the organization, enhancing its military capabilities and global reach. The phenomenon of foreign fighters highlights issues related to international security, radicalization, and the complexities of modern warfare.
Global Coalition Against ISIS: The Global Coalition Against ISIS is a multinational partnership established in 2014 to combat the rise and expansion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) through coordinated military, humanitarian, and intelligence efforts. This coalition aims to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIS by providing support to local forces, sharing intelligence, and conducting airstrikes while also addressing the underlying issues that allow extremism to flourish.
Islamic State of Iraq: The Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) was a jihadist militant organization that emerged in the mid-2000s, initially as an offshoot of al-Qaeda in Iraq. It aimed to establish an Islamic caliphate in Iraq, using violent tactics to assert control and influence over various regions, setting the stage for the later emergence of ISIS as a broader entity. ISI's actions and ideology laid the groundwork for future expansions into Syria and the declaration of a caliphate in 2014.
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria: The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is a militant jihadist group that emerged in the early 21st century, primarily known for its extreme interpretation of Islam and its goal of establishing a caliphate in the regions of Iraq and Syria. This group gained notoriety for its violent tactics, including terrorism, mass executions, and strict enforcement of Sharia law, leading to a significant impact on regional stability and global security.
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant: The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as ISIS, is a militant Islamist group that gained prominence in the early 2010s, aiming to establish a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria. This group became notorious for its brutal tactics, strict interpretation of Islamic law, and large-scale territorial conquests during the Syrian Civil War and the subsequent instability in Iraq.
Jihadism: Jihadism refers to a radical interpretation of Islam that advocates for the use of violence and armed struggle, or jihad, to achieve political and religious objectives. This ideology is often associated with groups that seek to establish a caliphate and impose their strict interpretation of Islamic law, using terrorism and insurgency as primary tactics. Jihadism has gained prominence particularly with the emergence of groups like ISIS, which has utilized this ideology to expand its influence in the Middle East and beyond.
Nouri al-Maliki: Nouri al-Maliki is an Iraqi politician who served as the Prime Minister of Iraq from 2006 to 2014. His leadership period was marked by significant sectarian tensions, challenges in governance, and efforts at reconstruction in a post-war Iraq, all while navigating the complex landscape that ultimately contributed to the rise of ISIS.
Operation Inherent Resolve: Operation Inherent Resolve is the name given to the military campaign initiated by the United States and its coalition partners against ISIS, aimed at degrading and ultimately defeating the group. Launched in 2014, this operation involved airstrikes, training local forces, and supporting ground operations in both Iraq and Syria to counter the rapid expansion of ISIS and its territorial gains.
Peshmerga: Peshmerga refers to the Kurdish armed forces in Iraq, known for their role in defending Kurdish regions and interests. These fighters have gained prominence in the context of the fight against ISIS, demonstrating significant military capabilities and playing a critical role in regional security and stability.
Raqqa: Raqqa is a city in Syria that gained global attention as the de facto capital of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) from 2014 to 2017. The city became a symbol of ISIS's rise and control, showcasing the group's ability to administer territory and enforce their interpretation of Islamic law during their peak.
Sectarianism: Sectarianism refers to the division of people based on their sect or religious affiliations, often leading to conflict and discrimination between different groups. This phenomenon is particularly significant in the Middle East, where diverse religious communities exist and tensions can arise from historical grievances and political power struggles.
Sharia Law: Sharia law refers to the moral and legal framework derived from Islamic teachings, primarily based on the Quran and the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad). It governs various aspects of life for Muslims, including rituals, personal conduct, and legal matters, and its interpretation and application have significantly influenced political movements and governance in the Middle East.
Social media propaganda: Social media propaganda refers to the strategic use of social media platforms to spread information, ideas, or rumors with the intent to influence public opinion and behavior. It is characterized by the manipulation of content, often using emotional appeals, misinformation, and targeted messaging to shape narratives. This tactic has become especially significant in the context of political movements and extremist groups, such as ISIS, who utilize social media to recruit, radicalize, and maintain support among followers.
Syrian Civil War: The Syrian Civil War is an ongoing multi-sided conflict that began in 2011, marked by a struggle between the Assad regime and various opposition groups, including rebel factions and extremist organizations. This conflict has been deeply influenced by the region's ethnic and religious diversity, as well as the involvement of foreign powers, making it a focal point for broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Terrorism: Terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, to achieve political aims. This tactic aims to instill fear and manipulate public opinion or government actions. Often associated with political or ideological motivations, terrorism can manifest in various forms, including bombings, shootings, and cyber-attacks, impacting national security and international relations.
U.S. invasion of Iraq: The U.S. invasion of Iraq, initiated in March 2003, was a military campaign led by the United States to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein under the pretext of eliminating weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and ending Hussein's support for terrorism. This invasion significantly altered the political landscape of the Middle East, contributing to the rise of extremist groups and shaping subsequent geopolitical dynamics in the region.