1) The document discusses the arming of Iraqi security forces by countries like the US, Iran, and Russia in an effort to stem the advance of ISIS in Iraq.
2) It outlines US efforts to modernize and train the Iraqi security forces since 2003, but notes the forces have struggled with sectarianism and faced challenges in countering ISIS.
3) Iran has also played a significant role in arming and advising Iraqi security forces and Shiite militias in their fight against ISIS, expanding Iranian influence in Iraq.
This document discusses future threats to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and challenges to C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems. It identifies Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen as major threats due to Iran's nuclear program, missile buildup, use of proxies, and influence over Iraq. It recommends acknowledging Iran as a threat, monitoring its compliance with nuclear deals, and countering its propaganda. It also suggests improving surveillance of territories to detect terrorist activities and vigilance against threats spilling over from conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. The document concludes C4ISR systems need to be assessed and upgraded to integrate all domains and latest technologies to address
Daesh originated from al-Qaeda in Iraq in 2004 and seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate. It controls large areas of Syria and Iraq and has pledged allegiance from other jihadi groups. Daesh's ideology is based on a rigid interpretation of Sharia law and a belief that it must rule based on God's word. While social factors in the Middle East contributed to its rise, Daesh's appeal is primarily driven by its religious ideology and vision of restoring the Islamic caliphate. Understanding Daesh requires examining both its ideological foundations and the environmental factors that influenced its formation and growth.
Crude Oil for Natural Gas: Prospects for Iran-Saudi Reconciliationatlanticcouncil
Despite the sectarian barbs traded between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Iran's unique ability to meet the kingdom's fast growing demand for electricity may help spur a reconciliation, according to the Atlantic Council's Jean-François Seznec. In his report Crude Oil for Natural Gas: Prospects for Iran-Saudi Reconciliation, Seznec argues that the two dominant energy producers do not necessarily need to see their energy production as competition.
Saudi Arabia's currently fuels its stunning 8 percent annual rise in demand for electricity with precious crude oil due to little low cost domestic natural dry gas reserves. Iran's vast gas reserves could be used to meet the kingdom's growing needs, but after decades of punishing sanctions its dilapidated gas fields need an estimated $250 billion in repairs. If Saudi Arabia used its investment power or buying power to help revitalize Iran's gas industry, it would both secure the energy it needs to meet its citizens' demands and free up its crude oil for export. While the sectarian rhetoric hurled back and forth may seem unstoppable and the timeline for reconciliation may be long, Seznec contends that both sides are rational at heart and highlights that that the benefit of economic cooperation on energy issues could open up better relations on a range of issues.
The document summarizes the current US policy and alternatives for addressing the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group. The US is leading a coalition to degrade and destroy ISIS through military airstrikes against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria, training and equipping Iraqi and Kurdish forces, and disrupting ISIS's financing. However, the Obama administration refuses to coordinate with the Syrian regime. The US has conducted over 2,000 airstrikes and deployed 3,100 military personnel to train Iraqi forces. It is also providing weapons and aid to Kurdish peshmerga forces. The goal is to support local forces in retaking ISIS-controlled territory and limiting the group's resources and ability to operate
1) The document discusses the rise of the Islamic State (IS) militant group and the potential terrorism risk they pose. It traces their origins from Al Qaeda in Iraq and expansion across Syria and Iraq in recent years.
2) The IS now controls significant territory and resources in the region and has established itself as a "caliphate", though no country recognizes it as a sovereign state. It generates revenue through oil assets and other means.
3) While the immediate terrorism threat from IS abroad may be low as they focus on regional battles, involvement of Western countries could motivate IS to attack soft targets globally. IS recruits foreigners who could aid international attacks, and their social media propaganda aids recruitment.
The document summarizes the rise of ISIS in Iraq and the ongoing conflict between Sunni and Shia sects. It describes how ISIS seized Mosul and other cities in Iraq in June 2014, exploiting Sunni discontent with the Shia-led government. ISIS seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate governed by Sharia law and now controls large parts of Iraq and Syria, posing a threat to the region, Western interests, and South Asia. Efforts are needed to curb ISIS's growing territorial control and prevent the conflict from engulfing the entire Muslim world.
This document summarizes the application of the CR.SIPABIO conflict analysis model to the conflict between Turkey and ISIL from 2013 to the present. It outlines the contextual factors of geography, history, and ethnicity that contribute to the conflict. It then describes the relationship factors of power dynamics and economic bonds between the two parties. Sources of the conflict included Turkey buying oil from ISIL and exploiting Syrian resources. The behaviors of both sides in furthering their goals are described, as well as interventions by Turkey, US, Russia and outcomes of the conflict on relations between involved countries and parties.
What is iran doing in iraq how important is iran in the ground war against isismmangusta
Iran is playing a major role in fighting ISIS in Iraq by supporting Shiite militias and working directly with Iraqi security forces. It is seeking to prevent ISIS and other Sunni extremist groups from taking power in Iraq, maintain Shiite political dominance, and demonstrate its importance in the region. While both the US and Iran want to preserve Iraq's territorial integrity and defeat ISIS, they have different goals in Syria and approaches to addressing Sunni grievances that complicate their strategies.
This document discusses future threats to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and challenges to C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems. It identifies Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen as major threats due to Iran's nuclear program, missile buildup, use of proxies, and influence over Iraq. It recommends acknowledging Iran as a threat, monitoring its compliance with nuclear deals, and countering its propaganda. It also suggests improving surveillance of territories to detect terrorist activities and vigilance against threats spilling over from conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. The document concludes C4ISR systems need to be assessed and upgraded to integrate all domains and latest technologies to address
Daesh originated from al-Qaeda in Iraq in 2004 and seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate. It controls large areas of Syria and Iraq and has pledged allegiance from other jihadi groups. Daesh's ideology is based on a rigid interpretation of Sharia law and a belief that it must rule based on God's word. While social factors in the Middle East contributed to its rise, Daesh's appeal is primarily driven by its religious ideology and vision of restoring the Islamic caliphate. Understanding Daesh requires examining both its ideological foundations and the environmental factors that influenced its formation and growth.
Crude Oil for Natural Gas: Prospects for Iran-Saudi Reconciliationatlanticcouncil
Despite the sectarian barbs traded between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Iran's unique ability to meet the kingdom's fast growing demand for electricity may help spur a reconciliation, according to the Atlantic Council's Jean-François Seznec. In his report Crude Oil for Natural Gas: Prospects for Iran-Saudi Reconciliation, Seznec argues that the two dominant energy producers do not necessarily need to see their energy production as competition.
Saudi Arabia's currently fuels its stunning 8 percent annual rise in demand for electricity with precious crude oil due to little low cost domestic natural dry gas reserves. Iran's vast gas reserves could be used to meet the kingdom's growing needs, but after decades of punishing sanctions its dilapidated gas fields need an estimated $250 billion in repairs. If Saudi Arabia used its investment power or buying power to help revitalize Iran's gas industry, it would both secure the energy it needs to meet its citizens' demands and free up its crude oil for export. While the sectarian rhetoric hurled back and forth may seem unstoppable and the timeline for reconciliation may be long, Seznec contends that both sides are rational at heart and highlights that that the benefit of economic cooperation on energy issues could open up better relations on a range of issues.
The document summarizes the current US policy and alternatives for addressing the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group. The US is leading a coalition to degrade and destroy ISIS through military airstrikes against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria, training and equipping Iraqi and Kurdish forces, and disrupting ISIS's financing. However, the Obama administration refuses to coordinate with the Syrian regime. The US has conducted over 2,000 airstrikes and deployed 3,100 military personnel to train Iraqi forces. It is also providing weapons and aid to Kurdish peshmerga forces. The goal is to support local forces in retaking ISIS-controlled territory and limiting the group's resources and ability to operate
1) The document discusses the rise of the Islamic State (IS) militant group and the potential terrorism risk they pose. It traces their origins from Al Qaeda in Iraq and expansion across Syria and Iraq in recent years.
2) The IS now controls significant territory and resources in the region and has established itself as a "caliphate", though no country recognizes it as a sovereign state. It generates revenue through oil assets and other means.
3) While the immediate terrorism threat from IS abroad may be low as they focus on regional battles, involvement of Western countries could motivate IS to attack soft targets globally. IS recruits foreigners who could aid international attacks, and their social media propaganda aids recruitment.
The document summarizes the rise of ISIS in Iraq and the ongoing conflict between Sunni and Shia sects. It describes how ISIS seized Mosul and other cities in Iraq in June 2014, exploiting Sunni discontent with the Shia-led government. ISIS seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate governed by Sharia law and now controls large parts of Iraq and Syria, posing a threat to the region, Western interests, and South Asia. Efforts are needed to curb ISIS's growing territorial control and prevent the conflict from engulfing the entire Muslim world.
This document summarizes the application of the CR.SIPABIO conflict analysis model to the conflict between Turkey and ISIL from 2013 to the present. It outlines the contextual factors of geography, history, and ethnicity that contribute to the conflict. It then describes the relationship factors of power dynamics and economic bonds between the two parties. Sources of the conflict included Turkey buying oil from ISIL and exploiting Syrian resources. The behaviors of both sides in furthering their goals are described, as well as interventions by Turkey, US, Russia and outcomes of the conflict on relations between involved countries and parties.
What is iran doing in iraq how important is iran in the ground war against isismmangusta
Iran is playing a major role in fighting ISIS in Iraq by supporting Shiite militias and working directly with Iraqi security forces. It is seeking to prevent ISIS and other Sunni extremist groups from taking power in Iraq, maintain Shiite political dominance, and demonstrate its importance in the region. While both the US and Iran want to preserve Iraq's territorial integrity and defeat ISIS, they have different goals in Syria and approaches to addressing Sunni grievances that complicate their strategies.
This document provides an overview and analysis of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS). It discusses ISIS's ideology and tactics, and how the organization has evolved over time. Key points include: ISIS was formed in 2003 and split from al-Qaeda in 2013 over strategic differences; under new leader al-Baghdadi, ISIS has focused on establishing a caliphate through violence and unrest in Iraq and Syria; unstable conditions following the US withdrawal from Iraq created an environment for ISIS recruitment and growth; and ISIS uses brutal tactics like torture to assert control while also engaging communities through social media propaganda.
This document is a thesis submitted by Ali R. Malik for a master's degree in global affairs from New York University. It analyzes the spread of ISIS and its potential expansion into Pakistan. The thesis notes ISIS controls significant territory across 10-12 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. While Pakistan is currently absent from maps of ISIS influence, the document argues factors like radical madrassas and historical issues with security forces make Pakistan vulnerable to an ISIS invasion or expansion.
Every day during the 2014 ISIS crisis in Iraq, the Institute for the Study of War publishes a Situation Map that indicates significant activity for that day with an analysis of what it means for the current situation as well as what to watch for in the near future. Subscribe to all updates at www.understandingwar.org
Assessing ISIS: Success or Failure of Islamist Insurgenciesinventionjournals
Assessing the current and long-term success of the Islamist insurgent group, the “Islamic State” (hereafter “ISIS”), requires not only identifying prerequisites for conducting insurgency but also assessing the group’s ability to attain the goals proclaimed by its ideology or program. Such success or failure can be determined by a systematic comparison with other Islamist insurgent groups which have either failed or succeeded in achieving their stated objectives. Examining the historical and theological backgrounds of movements, such as al Qaeda and Hezbollah, reveals that success requires having visible leadership openly controlling a territory and providing security and social services to its population. The importance of territorial control, a social-political infrastructure, and external legitimation is demonstrated by the relative success of groups enjoying Iranian support, such as Hezbollah, over Islamist groups following the non-state strategy of al Qaeda. ISIS has a visible leadership openly controlling a territory and providing at least minimal security and social services to its population but lacking belligerent status and having rejected alliances with like-minded Salafist groups sharing most of its goals. Another essential but often overlooked condition for success for militant Islamist movements is the endorsement of the traditional Muslim Ulema as guardians of the Islamic faith.
ISIS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, is a Sunni jihadist group that follows an extremist interpretation of Islam. It controls large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria and seeks to establish a caliphate and implement Sharia law. ISIS uses extreme violence including beheadings and mass executions to expand its territory and influence while attracting new members through social media and promises of living in an Islamic utopia under strict Sharia law. The group's violent actions and declaration of a caliphate have been criticized by Muslim scholars and governments around the world.
Jordan faces security threats from its northern borders with Iraq and Syria. It has taken steps to secure its borders through programs like the Jordanian Border Security Program, but more is needed to address evolving threats. Jordan receives military aid from allies like the US and UK to strengthen its border security capabilities through equipment and training. However, Jordan still requires additional manned and unmanned solutions to efficiently manage security risks at its borders as threats continue from groups like ISIL and conflicts in neighboring countries persist.
The document provides an overview of various topics related to Iran, including its government and politics, human rights record, terrorism activities, and nuclear program. It discusses Iran's history from the Pahlavi era in the 1920s through the 1979 revolution and Iran-Iraq war. It notes Iran has a complex political system as an Islamic theocracy with elected aspects. The document also examines Iran's sponsorship of terrorism, particularly its close ties to Hezbollah, and support for Palestinian groups. In addition, it provides details on Iran's nuclear program and the debate around how the U.S. should respond.
Iran's current standoff against the U.S. was briefed, covering Iran's country profile, recent historical events, current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the importance of Iranian affairs to the Department of Defense. Iran has a theocratic republic government and a population of 65.4 million. Recent significant events include the 1979 Islamic Revolution and Iran-Iraq war. President Ahmadinejad is an extremely conservative leader who gains support from the working class and military. The Department of Defense has a strong interest in Iran due to fears over Iran's nuclear program and influence in the region. The future consequences of tensions with Iran could impact U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
The document summarizes the origins and goals of terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and the Taliban. It discusses how the Taliban formed in response to civil war in Afghanistan after the Soviet withdrawal. It also explains that Al Qaeda was founded by Osama Bin Laden and consists mainly of Arab fighters who remained in Afghanistan after the Soviet war. The document then analyzes some major terrorist attacks carried out by Al Qaeda, like 9/11. It concludes by assessing different approaches to dealing with terrorism, including deterrence and the three step solution proposed by Frey.
This document explores the formation and goals of the Islamic State (IS). It discusses how IS arose from the instability in Iraq and Syria following the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. IS gained strength by recruiting former Iraqi military officers disaffected by the Shi'a-led government's treatment of Sunnis. The document examines how IS uses terrorist tactics to achieve political goals like territorial expansion and the establishment of an extremist Islamic state. It analyzes debates around defining terrorism and categorizes IS as a religiously-motivated terrorist group. The summary provides background on IS and outlines its origins and objectives.
ISIS EXPORT GATEWAY TO GLOBAL CRUDE OIL MARKETS GE 94
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) began to take over oil fields in late spring 2014.
Since then, ISIS has expanded its operations by creating a loosely integrated and thriving
black economy, consisting of approximately sixty percent of Syria's oil assets and seven
oil producing assets in Iraq. The terrorist organisation has also managed to set up an
extensive network of middlemen in neighbouring territories and countries, with the aim of
trading crude oil for cash and in kind. Upon extraction, the commodity is first lightly
refined on site and then a shadow supply-chain network takes over, to bring it to the
market.
This document discusses waqf (endowment) asset management issues within Muhammadiyah, a large Islamic non-governmental organization in Indonesia. It notes that in 2010, Muhammadiyah recorded owning over 20 million square meters of land earmarked for religious and educational institutions. However, some assets lack full legal documentation as waqf. The document then examines specific issues around waqf asset management within the Muhammadiyah branch in Jember District, as a case study, to identify challenges and improvement opportunities for Islamic social institutions in Indonesia.
Ba'athist Influence on the Islamic State 2Trevor McGuire
Former members of Saddam Hussein's secular Ba'athist regime in Iraq have come to lead the Islamic State after becoming radicalized following the U.S. invasion and overthrow of Saddam in 2003. The U.S. dismantling of Saddam's government and de-Ba'athification process marginalized many former officials and caused tensions that increased over time under a new Shiite-dominated Iraqi government, pushing some Ba'athists toward radical Sunni insurgent and terrorist groups. Ex-Ba'athist military officers and intelligence officials now hold many leadership positions in the Islamic State, including as provincial governors, and have been instrumental in building up its governing structures and military capabilities despite ideological
this was made by me before 3 years so it is not based on the latest updates...will make those updates and post it very sonn.....yet this is one of the greatest presentations on terrorism!
This document contains summaries of several papers related to Takfiri movements. The first paper summarizes a document on Boko Haram in Nigeria that seeks to eliminate Western culture through violence against Muslims. The second summarizes research on Al-Qaeda establishing bases in Sudan and East Africa and committing attacks. The third summarizes a paper on Takfiri movements in Afghanistan dating back to the 19th century involving massacres of Shia. The remaining summaries cover topics such as the criminal activities of Akhavan Al-Tawhid, Takfiri methodology, references to Sunnah in terrorism, strategies of Sayyid Qutb, rational reasoning in Maturidi and Wahhabi thought, reasons for Takfir against
This document provides background information on Daesh (ISIS/ISIL) from its origins as Al Qaeda in Iraq led by Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi through its evolution and expansion into Syria. It discusses Daesh's declaration of a caliphate in 2014 across territory it controlled in Iraq and Syria. The document will analyze whether Daesh's financial system, including how it acquires and spends revenue, demonstrates efforts at state-building based on existing theories of what constitutes a state and the process of state-building. It will focus on Daesh's activities from 2013-2016 across Syria and Iraq where it has made its most concerted efforts to establish governance structures.
The kharijites historical roots of the ideology of extremism and terrorismgoffaree
The document discusses the historical roots of modern extremist ideologies and terrorist groups like ISIS, tracing them back to the Kharijites. It notes that the Prophet Muhammad warned of a group that would appear who would cause fitna and that scholars see modern extremists as manifestations of this group. It states that these groups have killed exponentially more Muslims over centuries than non-Muslims recently, contrary to their portrayals. The document aims to uncover the foundations and true nature of ideologies like the Muslim Brotherhood and ISIS as derived from the original Kharijites.
The Kharijites : Historical Roots of the Ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood, ...Om Muktar
The Khārijites: Historical Roots Of Modern-Day extremism And Terrorism.
It is common knowledge to the scholars of the Muslims and their students that ISIS, Boko Ḥarām, al-Qāʿidah and others are simply another manifestation of the recurring appearance of this group that was explicitly mentioned by the Prophet of Islām. Their appearance was prophesized by the Prophet (peace be upon him) in a large number of traditions and they indeed appeared less than 30 years after him in 36H, around the year 657CE. Because this faction was intended as a trial and tribulation for Muslims in various times and ages, the Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke extensively about them, their traits, activities and their great danger upon Islām and the Muslims. The traditions in this regard are well-known and famous and have come through large-scale transmission right from the dawn of Islām. In this treatise we look at the historical events behind the emergence of this group and its subversive, destructive activities.
This document discusses the causes and motivations of Islamic terrorism. It argues that Islamic terrorist groups feel inferior to the modern Western world and seek to reclaim glory from the past through violence. Simply killing terrorist leaders will not eliminate the underlying issues and beliefs that fuel terrorism. To effectively combat terrorism, its root causes like feelings of cultural inferiority and strict interpretations of Islam must be addressed by empowering Muslim communities and secularizing aspects of their religion.
Why the world project Muslims as a terrorist?Karma Tashi
The document discusses the history and evolution of terrorism from ancient groups like the Sicarii and Hashashin to modern religiously motivated groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS. It notes that terrorism has existed throughout history but became prominent internationally in the late 20th century. While religiously motivated terrorism is a major threat today, the document also discusses terrorist acts committed by groups associated with Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity to demonstrate that terrorism exists across many religions and ideologies. It concludes by arguing that most religions primarily preach peace and do not support violence, and ordinary religious people should not be viewed as terrorists.
This document summarizes key information about the terrorist group ISIS and lessons that can be learned from historical analysis of terrorism. It describes ISIS's capabilities, including its demonstrated ability to fight and control territory in Iraq and Syria, establish governance structures, and generate funding through oil sales and taxation. The document also notes ISIS's willingness to commit atrocities like beheadings. It argues that ISIS represents a unique threat due to its state-building ambitions and that combating the group will test the US's ability to address future asymmetric threats that control territory and populations. The document concludes by outlining lessons from history that could inform how the US responds to ISIS, such as providing long-term military support to local forces and addressing
View the latest commentary on Iraq from The PRS Group. Now more a decade on from the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Iraq remains deeply troubled by dangerous ethnic and sectarian divisions, woeful security conditions, and chronic political instability in Baghdad that has undermined the
This document provides an overview and analysis of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS). It discusses ISIS's ideology and tactics, and how the organization has evolved over time. Key points include: ISIS was formed in 2003 and split from al-Qaeda in 2013 over strategic differences; under new leader al-Baghdadi, ISIS has focused on establishing a caliphate through violence and unrest in Iraq and Syria; unstable conditions following the US withdrawal from Iraq created an environment for ISIS recruitment and growth; and ISIS uses brutal tactics like torture to assert control while also engaging communities through social media propaganda.
This document is a thesis submitted by Ali R. Malik for a master's degree in global affairs from New York University. It analyzes the spread of ISIS and its potential expansion into Pakistan. The thesis notes ISIS controls significant territory across 10-12 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. While Pakistan is currently absent from maps of ISIS influence, the document argues factors like radical madrassas and historical issues with security forces make Pakistan vulnerable to an ISIS invasion or expansion.
Every day during the 2014 ISIS crisis in Iraq, the Institute for the Study of War publishes a Situation Map that indicates significant activity for that day with an analysis of what it means for the current situation as well as what to watch for in the near future. Subscribe to all updates at www.understandingwar.org
Assessing ISIS: Success or Failure of Islamist Insurgenciesinventionjournals
Assessing the current and long-term success of the Islamist insurgent group, the “Islamic State” (hereafter “ISIS”), requires not only identifying prerequisites for conducting insurgency but also assessing the group’s ability to attain the goals proclaimed by its ideology or program. Such success or failure can be determined by a systematic comparison with other Islamist insurgent groups which have either failed or succeeded in achieving their stated objectives. Examining the historical and theological backgrounds of movements, such as al Qaeda and Hezbollah, reveals that success requires having visible leadership openly controlling a territory and providing security and social services to its population. The importance of territorial control, a social-political infrastructure, and external legitimation is demonstrated by the relative success of groups enjoying Iranian support, such as Hezbollah, over Islamist groups following the non-state strategy of al Qaeda. ISIS has a visible leadership openly controlling a territory and providing at least minimal security and social services to its population but lacking belligerent status and having rejected alliances with like-minded Salafist groups sharing most of its goals. Another essential but often overlooked condition for success for militant Islamist movements is the endorsement of the traditional Muslim Ulema as guardians of the Islamic faith.
ISIS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, is a Sunni jihadist group that follows an extremist interpretation of Islam. It controls large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria and seeks to establish a caliphate and implement Sharia law. ISIS uses extreme violence including beheadings and mass executions to expand its territory and influence while attracting new members through social media and promises of living in an Islamic utopia under strict Sharia law. The group's violent actions and declaration of a caliphate have been criticized by Muslim scholars and governments around the world.
Jordan faces security threats from its northern borders with Iraq and Syria. It has taken steps to secure its borders through programs like the Jordanian Border Security Program, but more is needed to address evolving threats. Jordan receives military aid from allies like the US and UK to strengthen its border security capabilities through equipment and training. However, Jordan still requires additional manned and unmanned solutions to efficiently manage security risks at its borders as threats continue from groups like ISIL and conflicts in neighboring countries persist.
The document provides an overview of various topics related to Iran, including its government and politics, human rights record, terrorism activities, and nuclear program. It discusses Iran's history from the Pahlavi era in the 1920s through the 1979 revolution and Iran-Iraq war. It notes Iran has a complex political system as an Islamic theocracy with elected aspects. The document also examines Iran's sponsorship of terrorism, particularly its close ties to Hezbollah, and support for Palestinian groups. In addition, it provides details on Iran's nuclear program and the debate around how the U.S. should respond.
Iran's current standoff against the U.S. was briefed, covering Iran's country profile, recent historical events, current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the importance of Iranian affairs to the Department of Defense. Iran has a theocratic republic government and a population of 65.4 million. Recent significant events include the 1979 Islamic Revolution and Iran-Iraq war. President Ahmadinejad is an extremely conservative leader who gains support from the working class and military. The Department of Defense has a strong interest in Iran due to fears over Iran's nuclear program and influence in the region. The future consequences of tensions with Iran could impact U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
The document summarizes the origins and goals of terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and the Taliban. It discusses how the Taliban formed in response to civil war in Afghanistan after the Soviet withdrawal. It also explains that Al Qaeda was founded by Osama Bin Laden and consists mainly of Arab fighters who remained in Afghanistan after the Soviet war. The document then analyzes some major terrorist attacks carried out by Al Qaeda, like 9/11. It concludes by assessing different approaches to dealing with terrorism, including deterrence and the three step solution proposed by Frey.
This document explores the formation and goals of the Islamic State (IS). It discusses how IS arose from the instability in Iraq and Syria following the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. IS gained strength by recruiting former Iraqi military officers disaffected by the Shi'a-led government's treatment of Sunnis. The document examines how IS uses terrorist tactics to achieve political goals like territorial expansion and the establishment of an extremist Islamic state. It analyzes debates around defining terrorism and categorizes IS as a religiously-motivated terrorist group. The summary provides background on IS and outlines its origins and objectives.
ISIS EXPORT GATEWAY TO GLOBAL CRUDE OIL MARKETS GE 94
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) began to take over oil fields in late spring 2014.
Since then, ISIS has expanded its operations by creating a loosely integrated and thriving
black economy, consisting of approximately sixty percent of Syria's oil assets and seven
oil producing assets in Iraq. The terrorist organisation has also managed to set up an
extensive network of middlemen in neighbouring territories and countries, with the aim of
trading crude oil for cash and in kind. Upon extraction, the commodity is first lightly
refined on site and then a shadow supply-chain network takes over, to bring it to the
market.
This document discusses waqf (endowment) asset management issues within Muhammadiyah, a large Islamic non-governmental organization in Indonesia. It notes that in 2010, Muhammadiyah recorded owning over 20 million square meters of land earmarked for religious and educational institutions. However, some assets lack full legal documentation as waqf. The document then examines specific issues around waqf asset management within the Muhammadiyah branch in Jember District, as a case study, to identify challenges and improvement opportunities for Islamic social institutions in Indonesia.
Ba'athist Influence on the Islamic State 2Trevor McGuire
Former members of Saddam Hussein's secular Ba'athist regime in Iraq have come to lead the Islamic State after becoming radicalized following the U.S. invasion and overthrow of Saddam in 2003. The U.S. dismantling of Saddam's government and de-Ba'athification process marginalized many former officials and caused tensions that increased over time under a new Shiite-dominated Iraqi government, pushing some Ba'athists toward radical Sunni insurgent and terrorist groups. Ex-Ba'athist military officers and intelligence officials now hold many leadership positions in the Islamic State, including as provincial governors, and have been instrumental in building up its governing structures and military capabilities despite ideological
this was made by me before 3 years so it is not based on the latest updates...will make those updates and post it very sonn.....yet this is one of the greatest presentations on terrorism!
This document contains summaries of several papers related to Takfiri movements. The first paper summarizes a document on Boko Haram in Nigeria that seeks to eliminate Western culture through violence against Muslims. The second summarizes research on Al-Qaeda establishing bases in Sudan and East Africa and committing attacks. The third summarizes a paper on Takfiri movements in Afghanistan dating back to the 19th century involving massacres of Shia. The remaining summaries cover topics such as the criminal activities of Akhavan Al-Tawhid, Takfiri methodology, references to Sunnah in terrorism, strategies of Sayyid Qutb, rational reasoning in Maturidi and Wahhabi thought, reasons for Takfir against
This document provides background information on Daesh (ISIS/ISIL) from its origins as Al Qaeda in Iraq led by Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi through its evolution and expansion into Syria. It discusses Daesh's declaration of a caliphate in 2014 across territory it controlled in Iraq and Syria. The document will analyze whether Daesh's financial system, including how it acquires and spends revenue, demonstrates efforts at state-building based on existing theories of what constitutes a state and the process of state-building. It will focus on Daesh's activities from 2013-2016 across Syria and Iraq where it has made its most concerted efforts to establish governance structures.
The kharijites historical roots of the ideology of extremism and terrorismgoffaree
The document discusses the historical roots of modern extremist ideologies and terrorist groups like ISIS, tracing them back to the Kharijites. It notes that the Prophet Muhammad warned of a group that would appear who would cause fitna and that scholars see modern extremists as manifestations of this group. It states that these groups have killed exponentially more Muslims over centuries than non-Muslims recently, contrary to their portrayals. The document aims to uncover the foundations and true nature of ideologies like the Muslim Brotherhood and ISIS as derived from the original Kharijites.
The Kharijites : Historical Roots of the Ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood, ...Om Muktar
The Khārijites: Historical Roots Of Modern-Day extremism And Terrorism.
It is common knowledge to the scholars of the Muslims and their students that ISIS, Boko Ḥarām, al-Qāʿidah and others are simply another manifestation of the recurring appearance of this group that was explicitly mentioned by the Prophet of Islām. Their appearance was prophesized by the Prophet (peace be upon him) in a large number of traditions and they indeed appeared less than 30 years after him in 36H, around the year 657CE. Because this faction was intended as a trial and tribulation for Muslims in various times and ages, the Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke extensively about them, their traits, activities and their great danger upon Islām and the Muslims. The traditions in this regard are well-known and famous and have come through large-scale transmission right from the dawn of Islām. In this treatise we look at the historical events behind the emergence of this group and its subversive, destructive activities.
This document discusses the causes and motivations of Islamic terrorism. It argues that Islamic terrorist groups feel inferior to the modern Western world and seek to reclaim glory from the past through violence. Simply killing terrorist leaders will not eliminate the underlying issues and beliefs that fuel terrorism. To effectively combat terrorism, its root causes like feelings of cultural inferiority and strict interpretations of Islam must be addressed by empowering Muslim communities and secularizing aspects of their religion.
Why the world project Muslims as a terrorist?Karma Tashi
The document discusses the history and evolution of terrorism from ancient groups like the Sicarii and Hashashin to modern religiously motivated groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS. It notes that terrorism has existed throughout history but became prominent internationally in the late 20th century. While religiously motivated terrorism is a major threat today, the document also discusses terrorist acts committed by groups associated with Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity to demonstrate that terrorism exists across many religions and ideologies. It concludes by arguing that most religions primarily preach peace and do not support violence, and ordinary religious people should not be viewed as terrorists.
This document summarizes key information about the terrorist group ISIS and lessons that can be learned from historical analysis of terrorism. It describes ISIS's capabilities, including its demonstrated ability to fight and control territory in Iraq and Syria, establish governance structures, and generate funding through oil sales and taxation. The document also notes ISIS's willingness to commit atrocities like beheadings. It argues that ISIS represents a unique threat due to its state-building ambitions and that combating the group will test the US's ability to address future asymmetric threats that control territory and populations. The document concludes by outlining lessons from history that could inform how the US responds to ISIS, such as providing long-term military support to local forces and addressing
View the latest commentary on Iraq from The PRS Group. Now more a decade on from the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Iraq remains deeply troubled by dangerous ethnic and sectarian divisions, woeful security conditions, and chronic political instability in Baghdad that has undermined the
This document summarizes a presentation by Queen's Global Markets on ISIS and the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The presentation covers the origins and rise of ISIS, key players in the region including their strategic interests and responses to ISIS, and predictions about resolving the conflicts. It analyzes countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria and their stances. It argues the US must work with regional powers to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue to bring stability and defeat ISIS in the long run.
The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, controls territory in Iraq and Syria and seeks to establish a caliphate governed by its extreme interpretation of Sharia law. It has grown into a well-funded military organization with over 17,000 fighters and controls key infrastructure. The international community has responded by forming a coalition to counter ISIS through airstrikes, supporting local forces, cutting off financing, and addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)Nitin Sharma
The document discusses the rise of ISIS in Iraq and Syria and potential threats posed. It provides background on how ISIS formed from al-Qaeda in Iraq and took control of territory across Iraq and Syria. Six potential scenarios for the future of Iraq are outlined, ranging from protracted civil war to ISIS gaining control of the entire country. The document also discusses how ISIS aims to establish a caliphate and how their actions could impact neighboring countries and threaten global security. Measures to counter ISIS are mentioned, including training local ground forces in Iraq to conduct operations to push ISIS from cities.
The document discusses the military tactics of ISIS, comparing them to those of Nazi Germany in the later stages of World War 2. Some key points:
- ISIS relies heavily on offensive operations and brief counterattacks even as they are largely on the defensive. This mirrors Nazi Germany's "cult of the offensive" late in the war.
- Like Nazi Germany, ISIS is tactically skilled but lacks an overall strategy to win. Their tactics involve brief gains followed by unsustainable counterattacks.
- In defending territory, ISIS uses delaying tactics like snipers and booby traps to slow enemy advances before pulling back most fighters. They avoid direct, fixed defenses where they would be vulnerable to air
ISIS, also known as ISIL, arose from al-Qaeda in Iraq in the late 2000s and seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate across Iraq and Syria. It controls significant territory and oil resources, using conventional weapons captured from the Iraqi and Syrian armies as well as social media propaganda. A US-led international coalition conducts airstrikes against ISIS while supporting Iraqi and Kurdish ground forces.
The document provides background information on ISIS, including:
1) ISIS originated from Al-Qaeda in Iraq after the 2003 US invasion, and grew stronger during conflicts in Iraq and Syria between 2004-2014, taking control of Mosul.
2) ISIS is funded through oil sales, taxes, ransom payments, and donations from wealthy supporters, with annual income estimated at $2 billion. The US provided over $200 million in weapons and vehicles when withdrawing from Iraq.
3) The US and allies have conducted over 8,000 airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. ISIS has committed widespread atrocities, especially against women and children, through torture, rape, and brutal killings
Introduction Why We Disagree about International RelationsIn A.docxnormanibarber20063
Introduction Why We Disagree about International Relations
In April, 2015, ISIS militants pose with their banner in a suburb of Damascus, Syria, that they had just partially captured. What has caused the rise of ISIS, and what can be done to counter it?
Photo by Balkis Press/Sipa USA (Sipa via AP Images)
In spring 2014, an Islamic army known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) swarmed across northern Syria and Iraq conquering territory larger than Belgium, including Iraq’s second largest city of Mosul. Also known as the Islamic State (IS), Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and Daesh, its Arab label, ISIS declared itself a Caliphate, resurrecting the ancient empire of Islam, and proceeded to threaten Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. Thousands of jihadists (religious revolutionaries) joined ISIS, some from the United States; and scattered extremist groups from North Africa to Southeast Asia pledged allegiance to ISIS and adopted its black flag. The Caliphate, under its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, imposed a brutal Sunni Muslim law in the conquered territories, and hooded warriors beheaded Western journalists, local Christians and Shiite (non-Sunni) Muslims, captured in terrifying videos that went viral on the Internet. Ben Rhodes, the Deputy National Security Adviser to President Obama, identified the threat to the United States: “They are seeking to establish themselves as the vanguard terrorist organization that is at war with the U.S. and the West on behalf of Islam.”1
What causes a conflict of this sort? And what can be done about it? As students of international relations, we start with the facts, but we have to be careful. There are so many facts, and we can’t know them all or know for certain which ones may be the most important ones that cause other things to happen. Let’s look at what appear to be the salient facts in the case of ISIS and then make a first stab at how we sort out the facts and causes of international events to understand them better.
Syria and Iraq are centrally located in the geographically strategic region of the Middle East. They are Muslim countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey. Both Eastern and Western empires have occupied this region. Christian crusaders invaded in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, and the region was part of the Ottoman Empire for several centuries. The first Muslim Caliphate dated from the thirteenth century. After World War I and the collapse of the Caliphate, Syria became a colonial territory under French administration, while Iraq became a British colony. Both became independent nations after World War II. After World War II, oil became a major resource in the Middle East. Western companies monopolized oil production and remain today major economic players in the region even though the oil-producing states now control their own oil and influence global oil markets through the Organization of Petroleum .
The Islamic State - Revolutionizing the Historical Precedent of TerrorismAshley Smith
The document discusses the evolution of the terrorist organization known as the Islamic State (IS). It began as al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) in 2004, and underwent several name changes as it grew in size and territorial control. By 2014, after expanding into Syria, it declared itself the Islamic State, aiming to establish authority over all of the world's Muslims. The name changes corresponded with major developments for the group, such as splitting from al-Qaeda, gaining new leadership, and taking control of large areas across Iraq and Syria. The Islamic State aims to position its leader as a dominant figure for Muslims worldwide.
The Islamic State (IS) grew out of al-Qaeda in Iraq in the 2000s, declaring a caliphate in 2014 across Iraq and Syria. Led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, IS seized territory through military offensives and governed via Sharia law, notable for extreme brutality. IS established an economy from oil/gas, taxation, antiquities trafficking and slavery to become financially self-sufficient. An international coalition conducted airstrikes against IS while local forces retook cities like Ramadi and Mosul. Al-Baghdadi was killed in 2019 but IS affiliates remain active as imprisoned fighters may radicalize others in the future.
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) originated as an al-Qaeda linked Sunni insurgent group in Iraq after the 2003 US invasion. It expanded into Syria during the civil war, declared a caliphate in 2014, and controls territory in Iraq and Syria while carrying out operations in other countries. ISIL generates revenue through oil production and smuggling, taxes, ransoms from kidnappings, selling plundered artifacts, and other criminal activities to fund its violent extremist activities and attracts foreign fighters through effective propaganda.
CTP’s Threat Update series is a weekly update and assessment of Iran and the al Qaeda network. CTP’s Iran team follows developments on the internal politics, nuclear negotiations, and regional conflicts closely. The al Qaeda network update includes detailed assessments of al Qaeda’s affiliates in Yemen, the Horn of Africa, and the Maghreb and Sahel.
Below are the top three takeaways from the week:
1. Al Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawahiri called for attacks against Western, particularly American, interests. Zawahiri also called on jihadist factions to unify in what he described as a war against a Russian-Iranian-American axis.
2. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei forbade non-nuclear negotiations with the U.S. on November 1, indicating that Iran's participation in the Syria peace talks does not mark a new willingness to negotiate on regional issues. Khamenei also dismissed Western rhetoric regarding shifting foreign policy priorities in Iran.
3. Islamic State in Iraq and al Sham-linked group in Sirte, Libya, continued to consolidate control over the city’s population and the surrounding environs. Warplanes targeted ISIS positions in the vicinity of Sirte, Libya, on October 27.
Security will stay high on the government’s agenda amid concerns over the rise of ISIL, a Sunni jihadist group that has gained control over large sections of Syria and Iraq. ISIL militants overwhelmed Iraqi military forces following the launch of major offensive in June, and while the advance was largely halted with
This document proposes a strategy to counter ISIL as a transregional threat. It recommends prioritizing homeland security while also disrupting ISIL's transregional network through airstrikes, raids on leadership, and bolstering stability in regions where ISIL operates. The strategy acknowledges that eradicating violent jihadism requires addressing underlying political issues like poor governance and sectarianism, but notes US leverage is limited. It also stresses balancing support for Kurdish forces with avoiding fueling regional conflicts.
The document discusses ISIS and strategies for collecting intelligence on the terrorist organization. It describes ISIS's origins, leadership, goals of establishing a caliphate, territory controlled in Iraq and Syria, and use of violence. The most effective method of collecting timely data on future attacks is through human intelligence (HUMINT) programs using sources on the ground. The most qualified collectors would be intelligence specialists from the Department of Defense and military who speak Arabic and Farsi and have expertise in communications signals and cryptography. Collected data should be analyzed using strategies like analysis of competing hypotheses to avoid cognitive biases.
The document discusses the rise of ISIS in Iraq and Syria and argues that defeating ISIS requires more than just military force. It will require the Iraqi government, led by Nouri al-Maliki, to build consensus with Kurds and Sunnis to undermine the social support ISIS currently has. While military efforts are important, the key to rolling back ISIS's gains will be addressing the political issues that have disaffected Sunni communities and strengthened ISIS.
The document summarizes security developments in Yemen, Somalia, Libya, the Maghreb, and the Sahel region over the past month based on intelligence reports. It notes increased Iranian support for Houthi rebels in Yemen and clashes between militant groups in Libya, Somalia, and Mali. Contact information is also provided for analysts from AEI's Critical Threats Project who study security issues in these regions.
Iran Is Maneuvering ISIS Toward a Regional CheckmateBob Kent
Iran is using the threat of ISIS to further its goal of becoming the dominant power in the Middle East. It has coordinated with Iraq, Syria, and Russia to share intelligence and military operations against ISIS, extending Iran's sphere of influence across the region. The conflict with ISIS allows Syria and Iraq to crack down on domestic opponents and strengthen Iran's influence. While ISIS poses a threat, many Sunni Arabs see Iran and its backed militias as an even greater danger, fighting a two-front war. Iran has manipulated the fear of terrorism to eliminate Western support for Syrian rebels and justify the growth of its own militias in Iraq and Syria. As a result, Iran now wields significant military and political influence in
1. Arming The Iraqi Security Forces
A number of countries, including the United States, Iran and Russia, have sent weapons and
State. However, the jury is still out on whether the strategy has had any real impact when it comes
to stemming the advance of ISIS.
By Matthew Hedges
T
he threat posed by the self-
named Islamic State (IS/ISIL/
ISIS, Daesh) was made evidently
clear in the summer of 2014 when the
group took control of large areas of
Iraq, moving troops close to the capital
Baghdad and the borders with Jordan
and Saudi Arabia. The incompetence of
the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), which
were trained and supervised by the
US military and a number of coalition
partners at a high cost (conservative
gures estimate the cost of training
totaled $25 billion), was alarming for
many. The Obama regime lacks a
long-term strategy for Iraq, as it toys
with policy decisions that are both short
sighted and encumbered by sectarian
politics in Iraq. This has allowed Iran
and ussia to e pand their in uence in
Iraq by aiding the al-Abadi regime in the
ght against ISIS.
THE US ROLE IN MODERNISING ISF
Following the overthrow of Saddam
Hussein, the United States implemented
the Coalition Military Assistance
IRAQI ARMY SOLDIERS WAIT TO QUALIFY WITH THEIR AK-47 RIFLES AT CAMP TAJI, IRAQ
(ALL PHOTOS BY US AIR FORCE SENIOR AIRMAN JAMES RICHARDSON)
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Training Team in a bid to recreate
the Iraqi Armed Forces and create an
institution capable of defending the
state from internal and external threats.
From the outset, sectarianism plagued
the development of both Iraqi society
and the ISF. Hussein’s Sunni-dominated
government and military subjugated the
Shi’a majority, and under the in uence
of Iran, Shi’a forces rose up to retaliate
for years of perceived oppression.
Backed by the former al-Maliki regime,
the Shi’a militias resurged in strength
and could, in effect, replace the largely
inef cient ISF.
The Iraqi Sunni population and
the Gulf Cooperation Council states
perceive the al-Abadi regime to have
taken a similar policy route to that of
al-Maliki. He had made attempts to
calm apprehensions about Shi’a-led
governance. His work was nearly
wholly undone in a single swoop
when the Iraqi military announced
the recent ISIS counter attack,
“Operation Labaik ya Hussein,” which
had sectarian connotations due to the
term’s heightened importance to Shi’a
Muslims, and stressed the already
fragile factional dynamics in Iraq.
The United States has made attempts
to assist Iraq in its defence against
ISIS. However, they have increasingly
become concerned about both the
ISF’s inability to counter ISIS and the
increasing in uence of Iran in Iraq. In
the summer of 2014, US Congress
approved a donation of $700 million
dollars worth of military aid, including
,000 Hell re missiles to combat what
turned out to be a successful assault
into Iraq by ISIS. Part of this deal
was the potential donation of up to
24 Boeing AH-64 Apache gunships.
This was later scrapped with American
Apache’s launching sorties against ISIS
on the Iraqi government’s behalf.
In 2011, Iraq ordered 18 American
made F-16s, with an option to order
another 18. Iraqi pilots were trained
to y the F-16s in the United States,
but with the deteriorating security
situation in Iraq, the United States
was reluctant to hand over the combat
aircraft. However, in a show of faith and
con dence, the rst four F-16s were
delivered to Iraq on the 13 July 2015.
In addition to these, the Iraqi’s have a
AN IRAQI ARMY SOLDIER CLEARS HIS AK-47 RIFLE DURING A WEAPONS QUALIFICATION AT CAMP TAJI, IRAQ
3. 30
Defence Procurement International - Summer 2015
$790 million dollar deal in place for 24
AT-6C Texan IIs. Whilst these aircraft
expand Iraqi capabilities, they are
restricted to using dated armaments
such as the Paveway series laser-
guided bombs, the AGM-65 Maverick,
AIM-9L/M Sidewinder and the AIM-7M
Sparrow, which suggests continued
apprehension on the part of the United
States when it comes to ISF capabilities
and Iraqi foreign policy. In addition, the
United States has expanded Iraq’s ISR
capabilities by agreeing the $27 million
sale of the King Air 350 and a further
$90 million for seven aerostats and 14
rapid aerostat initial deployment towers.
Since the ISIS advance into Iraq, the
Obama-led administration has been
apprehensive about supporting the al-
Abadi regime in its battle against ISIS,
instead favouring to directly support
other regional allies such as Jordan.
US Central Command (CENTCOM)
has opted to position itself in Northern
Jordan rather than Iraq, which indicates
its uncertainty towards Iraq’s military
capabilities. There has, however, been
a gradual increase in training and
advisory support to Iraq. This has led to
the expansion of an American presence
in Iraq where it now operates out of ve
bases; Al-Asad, Besmaya, Irbil, Taji and
Taqaddum.
Part of the US’s training mission to
Iraq has entailed providing tactical
assistance to Iraqi forces where they
have analysed ISIS tactics, techniques
and procedures (TTPs) and identi ed
the use of Vehicle-borne Improvised
Explosive Devices in the guise of
US Humvees (ISIS captured 2,500
Humvees when it took over Ramadi) as
a particular threat. The United States
gifted the Iraqi’s 3,000 AT4 anti-tank
weapons to counter this increasingly
dangerous threat.
Assessing the current situation in
Iraq, it seems unlikely that the United
States will increase its support for
the al-Abadi regime and instead look
to fortify what assets it currently has
in Iraq. Senior White House of cials
have recently voiced the possibility of
increasing its footprint in Iraq through
larger troop numbers and increased
forward operating bases to aid the Iraqi
military. The emotional damage of the
US presence in Iraq, both for the Iraqis
and the Americans suggests that it is
unlikely that a large-scale American
presence will return to Iraq.
With US elections occurring in 2016,
the Obama regime will attempt to
ensure its legacy of the Iraq pullback is
not replaced with a return to a country
that has frustrated US foreign policy for
many years. Yet, according to recent
newspaper reports, the NATO alliance
is believed to be planning a return to
Iraq to help train of cers in the ght
against the Islamic State. The alliance
is said to be looking at short-, medium-
Kobane
Aleppo
Hassakeh
Raqqa
Deir al-Zour
Rutba
Qaim
Mount Sinjar
Tal Hamis
Mosul Dam
Mosul
Irbil
Kirkuk
Baiji
Tikrit
Ramadi
Falluja
Baghdad
Jalula
SYRIA
IRAQ
IRAN
Dominant as of April 2015
Territorial losses since August 2014
IS Syrian Kurds Contested city
Iraqi government Syrian government
Iraqi Kurdish security forces
SOURCE: US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND BBC. TIKRIT WAS RETAKEN FROM ISIS IN APRIL 2015.
4. 31
and longer-term measures, including
training for the ISF, despite the failure
of previous attempts back in 2004 to
create an effective Iraqi force. In June,
the US ambassador to NATO, Douglas
Lute, was quoted in The Guardian
newspaper as saying: “Iraq came to us
with a list of speci c areas where
they wanted support. e gured that
within that, there were seven that made
sense for NATO.”
IRANIAN INVOLVEMENT IN IRAQ
Under al-Maliki, the United States
and Gulf fears of growing Iranian
in uence in Iraq were realised. Iran has
a long history of regional involvement,
particularly supporting regimes and
groups such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah,
the Yemeni Houthis and Syria’s Assad
regime. Iranian material and nancial
assistance has steadily grown in
accordance with gains made by ISIS
in Syria, as it looks to assist the Iraqi
regime counter Sunni extremism, whilst
increasing in uence in the Levant region.
Key to the Iranian strategy has
been to ally with Shi’a militias such
as the Badr Organisation and Kata’ib
Hezbollah, as well as heavily supporting
the Kurdish Peshmurga. Iranian
advisors, weaponry and nancial
support have all been owing to the
aid of the Iraqi ght against ISIS and
have recently been instrumental in
the gains made against the extremist
organisation. Particular operational
successes have been made in the
disruption of ISIS communications
greatly in uencing battle eld
manoeuvres and ISIS’s TTPs.
The in uence of Iranian af liated
personnel cannot be underestimated,
as their experience and boost to
morale has greatly assisted the counter
offensive against ISIS in Iraqi territory.
The most signi cant Iranian gure in
Iraq is General Qassem Soleimani, the
head of the Al Quds Force within the
Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps
(IRGC). This is of utmost importance
due to the signi cance of the
organisation and the direct command
of Supreme Leader Grand Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei, the principal gure within
Shi’a Islam.
Iran has delivered light and heavy
weaponry, as well as ammunition,
which while it may question the effect
of international sanctions against Iran,
have greatly bene tted the Iraqi ght
against ISIS. These weapons have
not only been delivered to Iraq but
also Syria and, due to the operational
success of ISIS, they have coincidently
been used by the foe they were
originally set out to counter. More
recently, T-72S Iranian tanks, armoured
Sa r’ eeps, Sayyad’ . 0 calibre sniper
ri es, Shaher’ 14. mm anti-material
sniper ri es, communication systems,
artillery, 122 mm rocket systems and
surveillance and reconnaissance
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were
delivered to Iraq as Iranian involvement
has increased. This is an indication of
the growing capabilities of the Iranian-
backed forces in Iraq.
Iranian assistance in Iraq has been
predominantly to aid the Shi’a militias,
Kurdish Peshmurga, YPG and ethnic
minority groups. They have been
heavily involved in the counter-offensive
in the Anbar province that has further
complicated Iraq’s already fragile
sectarian tensions. There is a potential
for Iraq to break up along ethnic lines,
which would greatly diminish Iranian
in uence in the region. By combining
Kurdish, Shi’a and Christian forces
against Sunni extremists, Iran is
attempting to unify Iraqi forces against
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32
an external threat; albeit at the expense
of Sunni involvement. There are also
reports that Iran is training and arming
Afghan Taliban in Eastern Iran in an
attempt to send them to Ira to ght
ISIS.
RUSSIAN – IRAQI RELATIONS
High-level delegations from Iraq
and Russia have met on a number of
occasions with Iraqi Prime Minister
al-Abadi recently visiting Moscow in
May 2015, where increased military and
technical cooperation was discussed
with a potential $3 billion deal looming.
It is suggested that more attack
helicopters, ground support aircraft and
specialised urban warfare equipment
will be delivered to Iraq.
Iraq is reported to have received
an uncon rmed number of RSIS
T-5000 ri es, which have aided their
urban warfare capabilities. Russia
has traditionally been a key partner
for Iraq, which is looking to diversify
its international allies. As recently as
last year Russia delivered a number
of Mi-28 attack helicopters, whilst
also delivering ve Su-2 ground
attack aircraft. Increased cooperation
between Russia and Iraq also looks to
bolster Iranian-Iraqi relations providing,
potentially, a huge setback for the
United States and its Gulf partners.
BRITISH EFFORTS TO AID IRAQ
With budget constraints and an
apprehension to commit soldiers
overseas, the United Kingdom is
largely holding back on material
assistance to Iraq, and instead vying
for marginal training support. In June
2015 the United Kingdom announced
that it would treble its Counter-IED
presence by sending 125 supervisors
to Iraq, boosting the total number in
Iraq to around 300. There are also
reports that the United Kingdom will
increase its intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance assistance by
deploying more UAVs in support of
Iraq’s counter-attack against ISIS.
The total number of UK troops in Iraq
is now reported to be around 1,000,
with Prime Minister David Cameron
struggling to appease American
concerns that the United Kingdom will
be able to maintain its contribution to
combined defence efforts. With a likely
escalation of migration troubles in the
Mediterranean and a resurgent Russia
destabilising Europe, it is unlikely that
further British contributions to Iraq’s
ght against ISIS will be substantial.
Any increases will most likely be
in the guise of training and support
missions rather than combat troops.
However, in mid-July at an International
Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
brieing on this autumn’s Strategic
Defence and Security Review (SDSR),
General Lord David Richards, senior
advisor to IISS and former UK Chief of
Defence Staff (2011-2014), questioned
the scale of effort required to tackle
ISIS. “We need to put in tens of
thousands of trainers,” he says. “We
need to work aggressively and quickly
against ISIS. An SDSR that doesn’t
do that is not an SDSR worth having.
Referring to reported comments by
Prime Minister David Cameron that the
battle against ISIS was a “generational
struggle”, Lord Richards said: “We don’t
have a generation to control ISIS.”
SECTARIAN COMPLICATIONS
The susceptibility of Sunni
extremism in Iraq, combined with the
increased complication of sectarian
jockeying, has thwarted potential efforts
to modernise the Iraqi military. This
attitude has trickled down to coalition
states with the GCC nations reportedly
refusing to continue air sorties against
ISIS whilst Iran increases its in uence
in the nation. The United States also
faces a dilemma as it needs to increase
training programmes in Iraq. However,
its policy suggests it needs to reach
out to Sunni tribesmen. But with a
Shi’a led government in Baghdad, it is
often blocked and coerced into training
predominantly Shi’a troops within the
Iraqi military. With Shi’a forces often
accused of reprisal attacks against
Sunni populations, it leaves this section
of society between a rock and a hard
place; lay down and allow Shi’a forces
to potentially attack you or join extremist
groups and defend yourself.
CONCLUSION
The threat posed by ISIS in Iraq
has the potential to destroy the unity of
AN IRAQI ARMY SOLDIER (U.S.AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN JAMES RICHARDSON
6. Defence Procurement International - Summer 2015
33
the state. With the United States largely
lacking a uni ed strategy, Iraq is looking
to other partners for cooperation in its
ght against ISIS. Russia and Iran will
continue the delivery of assets and
personnel in support of the Iraqi ght
against ISIS with further ground attack
aircraft and training missions seemingly
imminent. ISIS has greatly affected oil
output from Iraq, which, as a result, has
relatively sparse nances.
The United States will continue to
be the preferred supplier of training
and weapons for Iraq. However, in the
current political environment it remains
likely that the majority of supplies will
continue to ow from Russia and Iran.
The coming months will determine
how capable the Iraqi forces are and
evaluate how instrumental material
assistance from Iran and Russia has
aided the Iraqi ght against ISIS.
The ISF has traditionally played a
signi cant role in Iraqi society with the
armed forces often seen as a loyal
tool of the ruling regime. In a widening
sectarian divide, the delicate civil-
military relationship has often been
an arena for power struggles between
Iraq’s different sects.
Recently, the Iraq Chief of Staff,
General Babaker Zebari (a Kurdish
Sunni) was forcibly retired following the
Iraqi militaries’ numerous failures in the
face of ISIS. The role of Chief of Staff
has normally been reserved for the
Kurdish minority and it would remain
likely that this position stays within this
sect so as to avoid further sectarian
tensions.
If denominational strains do continue
to spread within Iraqi society, the
integrity of the state, in its current
form, will be at a heightened risk of
disintegration. Critically, the ISF needs
to display tenets of leadership in its bid
to steer Iraq through the current crisis.
It is more likely to do this in a position
of strength where it can be a credible
counter weight to the non-state actors
that haunt the weak Iraqi state.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matthew Hedges holds a Masters
degree from the University of Exeter.
He is a PhD candidate at Durham
University where he is researching
defence and security policy in the GCC
states.
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TRANSFERS OF MAJOR CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS TO IRAQ BY COUNTRY FROM 2013 TO 2015
SOURCE: SIPRI ARMS TRANSFER DATABASE AND OTHER SOURCES