Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
Brief history of Al-Qaeda
Al-Qaeda is a multinational hierarichal group that has operations in at least 16 countries. This global militant organization was founded by Osama bin Laden and many others during the years of 1988 and 1989. They work as both a multinational and Islamic extremist network. The United Nations Security Council, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), The U.S., as well as other countries have designated Al-Qaeda as a terrorist group. To learn more regarding the groups ideology, organization, or leadership, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Qaeda
Information taken from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Qaeda
http://foreignpolicy.com/2014/03/17/al-qaeda-core-a-short-history/
Islamic extremist groups have been seen on the front pages of newspapers around the world for almost two decades. During the first decade of the twenty first century the headlines were about Al-Qaeda headed by Osama Bin Laden. Recently the headlines are about The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).
ISIS: What is it?
The group began in 2004 as al Qaeda in Iraq, before rebranding as ISIS two years later. ISIS was an ally of Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda, as both groups were radical anti-Western militant groups devoted to establishing an independent Islamic state in the regions of Iraq and Syria. ISIS however, has proven to be more brutal, yet effective at controlling territory it has seized.
Information taken from:
http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/14/world/isis-everything-you-need-to-know/
Early ISIS Progress
After rebranding itself in 2006 as ISIS, there were governing structures put in place to rule the territories that the group once conquered. From top to bottom, including the cabinet, governors, financial body, and legislative body, the ISIS hierarchy resembles some of the Western countries that they reject. The main difference is adding a council instead of a democracy, in order to decide who gets executed.
Information taken from:
http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/14/world/isis-everything-you-need-to-know/
France Intervenes
France had begun air strikes over Syria earlier this month. Up until then, France had only taken part in air strikes against ISIS in Iraq. This was because of a fear that strikes against a group in Syria could strengthen Syrian President Bashar Assad.
To lean more on the topic, visit:
http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/france-could-launch-air-strikes-isis-hollande-n422871
ISIS in the News Today
-ISIS captured Assad's last oil field in Syria:
Activists have reported that militants of ISIS have captured the last oil field under the control of President Assad. Last year, officials estimated that ISIS was earning up to $3 million per day on the black market from its illicit oil sales.
To learn more, visit: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/isis-captures-last-oil-field-under-syrian-control/
-U.S. Revamping:
There is a severe shortcoming in effort to create a force of moderate rebels to battle the Islamic state in Syria. The Pentagon is drawing up plans to significantly revamp the program by dropping larger numbers of fighters into safer zones as well as providing better intelligence and improving combat skills.
To learn more visit:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/isis-captures-last-oil-field-under-syrian-control/