ISIS

Definition

ISIS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is a militant Islamist group that has been a major player in the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The group has been responsible for acts of terrorism, violence, and the establishment of a self-proclaimed caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ISIS emerged from the ashes of al-Qaeda in Iraq and gained significant territory in Iraq and Syria during the Syrian Civil War and the Iraqi insurgency.
2. The group's goal is to establish a global Islamic caliphate, and it has been responsible for numerous atrocities, including the execution of civilians, the destruction of cultural heritage sites, and the displacement of millions of people.
3. The United States and its allies have been involved in a military campaign to defeat ISIS, which has included airstrikes, ground operations, and efforts to disrupt the group's financing and recruitment.
4. The rise of ISIS has been seen as a significant setback in the broader 'War on Terror' that began in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, and has had far-reaching geopolitical and humanitarian consequences.
5. The election of Barack Obama in 2008 on a platform of 'hope and change' was seen by some as a shift in US foreign policy, but the continued threat of ISIS and other terrorist groups has presented significant challenges for his administration and its successors.

Review Questions

• Explain the origins and goals of ISIS and how the group's rise has impacted the ongoing 'War on Terror'.
  • ISIS emerged from the ashes of al-Qaeda in Iraq, taking advantage of the instability and conflict in the region to gain significant territory in Iraq and Syria. The group's primary goal is to establish a global Islamic caliphate, and it has been responsible for numerous acts of terrorism, violence, and atrocities against civilians. The rise of ISIS has been seen as a significant setback in the broader 'War on Terror' that began in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, as the group's continued threat has presented significant challenges for the United States and its allies in their efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability in the Middle East.
• Analyze how the election of Barack Obama in 2008 on a platform of 'hope and change' was perceived in the context of the ongoing conflict with ISIS and the broader 'War on Terror'.
  • The election of Barack Obama in 2008 on a platform of 'hope and change' was seen by some as a shift in US foreign policy, with a focus on diplomacy and a more measured approach to military intervention. However, the continued threat of ISIS and other terrorist groups has presented significant challenges for his administration and its successors. The group's rise has been a significant setback in the broader 'War on Terror,' and the need to address this threat has required a continued military presence and involvement in the region, which may have been perceived as a departure from the 'hope and change' message that Obama campaigned on.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the conflict with ISIS and the broader 'War on Terror' on US foreign policy and global security.
  • The conflict with ISIS and the broader 'War on Terror' have had far-reaching implications for US foreign policy and global security. The rise of ISIS has highlighted the ongoing threat of radical Islamist groups and the need for sustained efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability in the Middle East. The continued involvement of the US and its allies in military operations and counterterrorism efforts in the region has strained resources and geopolitical relationships, and has raised questions about the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of these strategies. Moreover, the humanitarian crisis and displacement of millions of people caused by the conflicts have had significant global implications, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the complex challenges posed by groups like ISIS. The long-term impact of these conflicts on US foreign policy and global security will likely continue to be a subject of intense debate and analysis in the years to come.

Related terms

Caliphate: A caliphate is a form of Islamic government led by a caliph, a religious and political leader who is a successor to the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Jihad: Jihad is an Islamic term referring to a spiritual struggle to follow God's will, as well as a physical struggle to defend the Islamic faith.

Terrorism:

Terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.