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In addition to ISW's written products, our analysts are subject matter experts for the media on a constant basis. This new periodic publication collects these media appearances and use of our maps in one place. You can also follow ISW on Twitter @TheStudyofWar.
In addition to ISW's written products, our analysts are subject matter experts for the media on a constant basis. This new periodic publication collects these media appearances and use of our maps in one place. You can also follow ISW on Twitter @TheStudyofWar.
ISW assessed in early June 2015 that one of ISIS’s most likely courses of action during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan would be to declare a governorate in Russia’s North Caucasus. ISIS indeed announced the creation of a new governorate, called Wilayat Qawqaz (Caucasus) in the region on June 23, 2015, after several senior militants in the area pledged allegiance to ISIS.
The influence of Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi’a militias is extending beyond Iraq’s security sector and creating political friction.
ISIS or other anti-government armed groups such as the Ba’athist leaning JRTN may attempt to foment ethnic violence between Arabs and Kurds as well as sectarian violence between Sunni and Shi’a.
ISIS Sanctuary: June 19, 2015
