ISIS

Definition

ISIS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is a militant Islamist group that has carried out terrorist attacks and sought to establish a caliphate, or Islamic state, in the Middle East. It has been a significant factor in shaping foreign policy discussions and decisions in the United States and globally.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ISIS emerged from the remnants of al-Qaeda in Iraq and has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and other countries.
2. The group has been responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians through its brutal tactics, including beheadings, mass killings, and the use of suicide bombings.
3. ISIS has controlled territory in Syria and Iraq, establishing a self-proclaimed caliphate and imposing its strict interpretation of Islamic law on the population.
4. The group's rise and activities have had a significant impact on U.S. foreign policy, leading to military interventions and counterterrorism efforts in the region.
5. The fight against ISIS has been a key component of the broader U.S. strategy to combat terrorism and promote stability in the Middle East.

Review Questions

• Explain how the emergence of ISIS has influenced U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
  • The rise of ISIS has had a significant impact on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. The group's violent tactics, territorial control, and pursuit of a caliphate have led the U.S. to take a more active role in the region, including military interventions, counterterrorism operations, and efforts to support local partners in combating the group. The fight against ISIS has become a central component of the U.S. strategy to address terrorism and promote stability in the Middle East.
• Describe the key features of ISIS that have made it a significant threat to regional and global security.
  • ISIS has several key features that have made it a significant threat to regional and global security. First, the group's adherence to a radical, violent interpretation of Islam and its pursuit of a caliphate have led to the perpetration of horrific acts of terrorism, including beheadings, mass killings, and the use of suicide bombings. Second, ISIS has been able to control territory in Syria and Iraq, establishing a self-proclaimed caliphate and imposing its strict interpretation of Islamic law on the population. Third, the group's ability to attract foreign fighters and its use of social media for recruitment and propaganda have amplified its reach and influence, posing a threat to both regional and global stability.
• Analyze the role of counterterrorism efforts and military interventions in the U.S. strategy to combat ISIS and its influence in the Middle East.
  • The U.S. strategy to combat ISIS and its influence in the Middle East has relied heavily on counterterrorism efforts and military interventions. These actions have aimed to disrupt the group's operations, degrade its capabilities, and prevent it from further expanding its territorial control and influence. Counterterrorism efforts have involved intelligence gathering, targeted strikes, and support for local partners in the region. Military interventions, such as the deployment of U.S. troops and the provision of air support, have sought to weaken ISIS's hold on territory and disrupt its ability to plan and execute attacks. While these measures have had some success in containing the group, the long-term stability and security of the region remain a significant challenge that requires a comprehensive approach addressing the underlying political, economic, and social factors that have contributed to the rise of ISIS.

Related terms

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

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

Extremism: The holding of extreme political or religious views that are considered radical and often violent.