With the Islamic State dominating international headlines this morning with high-profile gruesome killings, it’s good to have an understanding of who the group is, and what it wants.

Originally known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the group aims to bring the world’s Muslim regions under their direct political control. The main areas are Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Cyprus, with a few others. They want to establish a caliphate  — a religious state — in the Sunni regions of Iraq. Following their involvement in the Syria war, ISIS expanded to Sunni regions of Syria.

ISIS has a harsh interpretation of the Islamic faith and Sharia law. Until 2014, they had very close links with al Qaeda, but in February al Qaeda cut ties. There is now a rivalry between the two.

On June 29, 2014, ISIS changed its name to the Islamic State (IS). They are incredibly well financed, with assets worth over $2billion. There is speculation of funding from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but no proof.

The Islamic State is designated a terrorist organization by the United Nations, USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and western media.

Since July 2014, ISIS has claimed vast areas of northern Iraq, forcing out the Yazidi population with death threats: if they don’t convert to Islam, they will be killed.

August has seen ISIS in the headlines everyday. Obama has authorised targeted airstrikes in Iraq against the group, as well as air drops of aid. The UK and France are also sending in aid to northern Iraq. Canada has offered $5 million in aid, and two military cargo planes which are shipping weapons to Kurdish fighters. The Kurds need to be equipped to fight ISIS.

The threat to women and children is also to be noted. ISIS captured 400 women to sell as sex slaves, and buried alive 500 Yazidi women and children. Women have also been stoned to death for committing adultery. It has been labelled by the US as a genocide.

ISIS are taking over cities in northern Iraq and Syria. Unfortunately, the symbolic importance of the new Islamic State is creating enthusiasm, which is enabling ISIS to recruit globally.

ISIS has been quoted as saying that all Muslims should unite to capture Rome, Italy, to “own the world”.

Of course, keep reading the news and form your own opinions. This does not reflect on the opinion of 2OceansVibe.

[Source]
Wikipedia
Huffington Post
BBC.com
KSat
CBC