Interactive graphic: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/ten-things-you-need-to-know-about-isis Washington Institute research explains the complexities of the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Read the source articles: 1. http://washin.st/1sIEall 2. http://washin.st/1qviaZG 3. http://washin.st/1m8JpX3 4. http://washin.st/1xPmvsc 5. http://washin.st/VsSeA6 6. http://washin.st/1qkhNig 7. http://washin.st/1sD1axQ 8. http://washin.st/1ptgLN1 9. http://washin.st/TgnmSs 10. http://washin.st/WaGVNv

1. Ten Things You Need
to Know about ISIS
Washington Institute research explains the complexities
of the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
ISIS is an extremist Sunni Islamist movement.
Ejected from al-Qaeda, its founding organization, as too radical, ISIS now pursues
its jihadist agenda with unprecedented resources, territory, and arms. more Ð
ISIS wants to be known as
“Islamic State.”
ISIS has declared a Muslim caliph-ate
with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi at its
head. more Ð
ISIS is rich, and not beholden to
foreign patrons.
The capture of Mosul’s central bank
bolstered an ISIS war chest already well-funded
by criminal enterprises. more Ð
ISIS has weaknesses.
ISIS’s early successes—largely
due to its foes’ ineptitude—
can be rolled back. more Ð
ISIS capitalized on Iraq’s alienated
Sunnis.
Former Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki cre-ated
fertile terrain for ISIS operations. more Ð
ISIS is still gaining ground.
ISIS has all but erased the border be-tween
Iraq and Syria. more Ð
ISIS brought foreign fighters
back to Iraq.
Moving into Syria enabled ISIS to more
easily recruit foreign fighters. more Ð
ISIS won’t be defeated without a comprehensive strategy.
The United States needs to take the lead in building a local and interna-tional
coalition to defeat ISIS. more Ð
ISIS would benefit from more Iranian
involvement in Iraq.
The American and Iranian shared interest in the de-feat
of ISIS is no cause for collaboration. more Ð
ISIS threatens more than
Iraq and Syria.
Core American interests are at
stake. more Ð
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