ISIS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), or simply the Islamic State (IS), is a jihadist militant group that follows a radical interpretation of Sunni Islam.
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It emerged from al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) and became notorious for its extreme brutality, rapid territorial gains, and declaration of a caliphate.
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Origins and Formation:
Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI): ISIS has its roots in al-Qaeda in Iraq, a group formed by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in 2004 during the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
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AQI was known for its violent tactics, including bombings, beheadings, and attacks on Shiite Muslims, which even al-Qaeda’s leadership found too extreme.
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Break with Al-Qaeda
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After Zarqawi’s death in 2006, AQI weakened but eventually rebranded itself as the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI). In 2011, under the leadership of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISI expanded into Syria amid the chaos of the Syrian Civil War, becoming ISIS.
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The group formally split from al-Qaeda in 2014 due to ideological differences and its declaration of a caliphate.
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Caliphate Declaration and Expansion
2014 Caliphate
On June 29, 2014, ISIS declared the establishment of a caliphate, a state governed by Islamic law, with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as the “Caliph” (leader of all Muslims).
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The group quickly captured large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, including major cities like Mosul and Raqqa, and enforced its rule with extreme violence.
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Territorial Control
At its peak, ISIS controlled significant territories across Iraq and Syria, ruling millions of people and generating revenue through oil sales, extortion, and looting.
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The group also gained affiliates in various regions, including Libya, Nigeria (Boko Haram pledged allegiance to ISIS), Afghanistan (ISIS-K), and the Philippines.
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ISIS became infamous for its extreme brutality, including public executions, crucifixions, sexual slavery, and genocide, particularly against religious minorities like the Yazidis. The group used social media effectively to spread its propaganda and attract recruits from around the world.
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ISIS orchestrated or inspired numerous terrorist attacks outside its controlled territory, including major attacks in Paris, Brussels, Istanbul, and across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
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Military Defeats and Decline
In response to ISIS’s rise, a U.S.-led international coalition launched military operations to defeat the group. By 2017, ISIS had lost most of its territory in Iraq and Syria, including its strongholds in Mosul and Raqqa, due to relentless airstrikes and ground offensives by Iraqi, Syrian, Kurdish, and coalition forces.
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By March 2019, ISIS’s territorial caliphate was effectively dismantled, with the last pocket of its control in Syria (Baghouz) being captured by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the U.S.
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Current Status
Despite losing its territorial control, ISIS remains active as an insurgent group, conducting guerrilla attacks and bombings in Iraq, Syria, and other regions. The group continues to inspire and direct lone-wolf attacks globally.
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Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a U.S. raid in Syria in October 2019. The group has since undergone leadership changes, but it remains fragmented and weakened.
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Global Threat
ISIS continues to pose a significant security threat due to its ideology, ability to inspire lone-wolf attacks, and its affiliates in various regions. It also has the potential to resurge in unstable areas if given the opportunity.
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ISIS remains one of the most dangerous and globally influential terrorist organizations, despite its decline in territorial control. Its impact on global security, particularly through its violent tactics and ability to inspire terrorism worldwide, continues to be a significant concern for international security agencies.
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Al-Qaeda and ISIS: Comparison and Relationship
Origins:
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Al-Qaeda
Founded in 1988 by Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda emerged from the network of Arab fighters who participated in the Afghan jihad against the Soviet Union. Its goal is to establish a global Islamic caliphate through jihad against the West and secular Muslim governments.
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ISIS
ISIS, or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, evolved from al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), a branch led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in the early 2000s. ISIS officially formed in 2013, and in 2014, it declared a caliphate with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as its leader, aiming to establish an Islamic state across Iraq, Syria, and beyond.
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Ideology:
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Al-Qaeda
Al-Qaeda’s ideology centers on global jihad to expel Western influence from Muslim lands and overthrow secular governments. It advocates a gradual approach to establishing an Islamic state and often works to gain local support before implementing strict Sharia law.
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ISIS
ISIS shares al-Qaeda’s goal of a caliphate but differs in its approach. It pursues an immediate and brutal implementation of its vision, often using extreme violence to enforce Sharia law. ISIS’s approach is more apocalyptic, emphasizing an urgent, end-of-times struggle.
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Tactics and Strategy:
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Al-Qaeda
Al-Qaeda focuses on high-profile, symbolic attacks, particularly targeting Western nations. Its most infamous attack was the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. The group operates as a decentralized network with affiliates across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
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ISIS
ISIS, at its peak, focused on territorial conquest, capturing and governing large areas of Iraq and Syria. It used brutal tactics, including mass executions and slavery, to enforce its rule. While it also carried out international terror attacks, ISIS was distinctive for its ability to control and administer territory.
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Relationship and Rivalry:
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Initial Connection
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ISIS originated as an al-Qaeda affiliate in Iraq. However, the two groups began to diverge in ideology and tactics. Al-Qaeda’s leadership criticized ISIS for its extreme brutality and refusal to align with al-Qaeda’s broader strategy.
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Split
In 2014, ISIS formally split from al-Qaeda after declaring its caliphate, with al-Qaeda disavowing the group. The split was driven by differences in ideology, strategy, and leadership. ISIS’s aggressive tactics and unilateral declaration of a caliphate without consultation with other jihadist groups were key points of contention.
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Current Status:
Al-Qaeda
Despite the rise of ISIS, al-Qaeda remains active, with affiliates like al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) continuing operations. It remains committed to its long-term strategy of global jihad.
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ISIS
ISIS has lost most of its territorial holdings but continues as a significant insurgent force. It has adapted to a more decentralized model, with its affiliates and cells still active in various regions, including Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.
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Conclusion
While both al-Qaeda and ISIS share similar ultimate goals—establishing an Islamic caliphate—they differ significantly in ideology, strategy, and methods. Their rivalry reflects these differences, with al-Qaeda taking a more patient, global approach, and ISIS pursuing immediate, territorial conquest through extreme violence.
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