How ISIS Was Really Founded

Overview

• ISIS Origins: Began in 2004 as al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), founded by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
• 2006: Rebranded as the Islamic State in Iraq (ISI) following al-Zarqawi's death.
• 2013: Returned to Iraq as a powerful force, later known as ISIS.

Key Events and Timeline

Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI)

• 2004 Formation: Created by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian Islamist.
• Insurgency Role: Major player against US-led forces and the new Shiite government post-Saddam Hussein.
• Sunni Recruitment: Appealed to Sunni minority’s grievances against Shiite dominance.

Rebranding and Defeat

• 2006: Abu Ayyub al-Masri took over post-Zarqawi's death, declaring the Islamic State in Iraq.
• 2008: Largely defeated by US troops and Sunni tribesmen, losing control of territories.

Transition to Syria

• 2010 Leadership Change: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi takes leadership.
• Syrian Civil War: ISIS joins the conflict, expanding their influence and resources.

Rise of ISIS

• 2013 Re-entry into Iraq: ISIS returns to Iraq, dominating Anbar province.
• 2014: Announced as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS); severed ties with al-Nusra Front and al-Qaeda.
• Leadership: Strengthened by former Saddam Hussein’s officers and ex-prisoners of US-administered prisons.

Major Milestones

• 2014 Mosul Capture: Took control of a major city in Northern Iraq.
• Caliphate Declaration: Baghdadi proclaimed a caliphate, consolidating power over large areas of Syria and Iraq.
• US Intervention: Initiated airstrikes targeting ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

Analysis and Controversies

• Trump’s Claims: Donald Trump controversially blamed Obama for ISIS's rise, citing US military withdrawal.
• Expert Opinions: Analysts argue that the US departure from Iraq in 2011 was premature, potentially allowing ISIS to consolidate.

Contributing Factors

• Sunni Resentment: Sunni disenfranchisement under the new Shiite-led Iraqi government fueled insurgency support.
• Former Military: Disbanding of Saddam’s army in 2003 contributed experienced officers to ISIS ranks.
• Prison Networks: US-run prisons like Camp Bucca served as networking and recruitment centers for future ISIS leaders.

Conclusion

• Culpability and Complexity: While direct founding claims against Obama are disputed, the conditions left post-US withdrawal facilitated ISIS's resurgence.

Contributors: Richard Allen Greene, Tal Kopan, Nick Thompson, Holly Yan, Hamdi Alkhshali, Arwa Damon.