Rise of ISIS Explained In 7 Points

After the recently coordinated terror attack on Paris, a suicide bombing in Beirut and attack on Baghdad Funeral, Islamic State became the most important topic of discussion in G-20 Summit 2015.

ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), one of the most brutal terror group today was not even known by many a year ago. Let us go back where it all began. There has been a series of events which led to the formation and upsurge of Islamic State terrorism.

1. Invasion of Iraq

   Image Courtesy: Independent

  So, it all started back in 2003 when the US decided to invade Iraq in order to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein. As a part of the evil aftermath of the war, Iraq was left behind with destroyed Infrastructure, dismantled army and a power vacuum.

2. Formation of ISIS:

 In 2006, ISIS began working as a small group determined to create problems for the US military in the region. Due to lack of funding and expertise IS failed miserably to gain a foothold in Iraq.


3. The Civil war in Syria:

 In 2009, Civil war broke out in Syria for the removal of president Bashar al-Assad. Two most powerful groups fighting against the government were Free Syrian Army (FSA) and al-Nusra Front also known as Al-Queda. ISIS started shifting their focus from Iraq to Syria for taking advantage of the unrest prevailing in the country.



4. Plea For International Help:

    Picture courtesy: IBTIMES

 In June 2013, northern general of FSA pleaded for international help, for they knew if they don't get aid from neighboring countries the rebels fighting against the government would lose their war in less than a month. In response US, Saudi Arabia, Jordon, Qatar, Turkey and Israel began to provide weapons, training and money to FSA.


5. FSA Joining ISIS: 

 Factions of Free Syrian Army collaborated with ISIS. They began to send weapons and highly trained fighters to their new group. Within a year weapons sent by foreign countries to help “freedom fighters” topple Bashar al-Assad ended up with ISIS.


6. Oil:

 ISIS is known as one of the most well-funded terrorist group in the world. They earn nearly  $8 to $10 million a month by smuggling oil to neighboring countries, much of it goes to Turkey.   


7. The rise of ISIS:

 In June 2014 ISIS appeared as a highly equipped and highly trained group who also managed to capture much of the northern parts of Iraq by crossing back the Syrian border. One of the major reasons behind the Islamic States upsurge is the military equipment’s that was left behind by the US after invading Iraq. Yes, instead of destroying or taking away the equipment, US chose to leave it right there. These military equipment's along with arms and ammunition's provided by FSA helped ISIS achieve their goals.

Like This Article? Join Others By Liking us on Facebook