Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) a Global Threat: International Strategy to Counter the Threat

The foundations of the ISIS were formed following the US-led invasion of Iraq (2003). The ISIS or the ISIL was formed by the insurgents of the Tanzim Qaidat al-Jihad fi Bilad al-Rafidayn, also known as the al-Qaeda in Iraq (aQI). This group has been given the title of “terrorist organization” by the United Nations, European Union, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and many others. ISIS now controls or can operate with impunity in a great stretch of territory in western Iraq and eastern Syria, making it militarily the most successful jihadi movement ever. Since ISIS has controlled more territory both in Syria and Iraq it has increasingly been able to fund itself from the proceeds of organised crime, including protection rackets and bank robberies, and by selling natural resources. The ISIS tactic is to make a surprise attack, inflict maximum casualties and spread fear before withdrawing without suffering heavy losses. ISIS specialises in using militarily untrained foreign volunteers as suicide bombers either moving on foot wearing suicide vests, or driving vehicles packed with explosives. ISIS is already a threat to the United States. ISIS is not only dangerous in a regional context because it is overthrowing modern state boundaries in ways that incur massive ethno-sectarian killing and cleansing. ISIS is also a global jihadist organization that shares al-Qaeda’s ideology, such that its progress drives towards a post-state and apocalyptic vision that involves the destruction of the modern state system. ISIS already threatens to escalate violence between states in the Middle East that have been fighting proxy wars in Syria for several years such that ISIS military operations may cascade into a broader regional conflict (Jessica D. Lewis: ISW). ISIS is now a direct threat to neighbouring states in the Middle East, and ISIS is broadcasting the intent to attack Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the West. The threat of attacks against the U.S. is present.