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ISIS Global Project
This project addresses ISIS in both the Near and Far Abroad.
ISIS-Linked Regional Activity: October 2015
Nov 3, 2015 - Harleen Gambhir![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/OCT%202015%20ISIS%20Near%20Abroad%20Map-01_3.png?itok=yUS7bm8F)
ISIS targeted Shi'a civilians in Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan before and during celebrations for Ashura, a Shi'a religious holiday in October 2015. ISIS's affiliates and supporters also targeted Sunni Arab rivals in Turkey and in Yemen. ISIS is attempting to rally the Muslim world against Israel simultaneously, encouraging supporters to attack Jews and rival militant Palestinian groups. ISIS's regional strategy depends upon victory against all three foes.
The Islamic State Digs In
Oct 22, 2015 - Jessica D. Lewis![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/Sentinel%20october%20cover%20square.png?itok=lE9BFkAF)
Russia’s recent intervention in Syria will generate more opportunities for the Islamic State than it quells. If the Islamic State’s core defenses around major cities in Iraq and Syria hold, the Islamic State will weather Russia’s intervention and likely emerge stronger. New via West Point Combating Terrorism Center: The Sentinel
ISIS-Linked Regional Activity: September 2015
Sep 30, 2015 - Harleen GambhirISIS has established robust ground campaigns in Libya, Egypt, and Afghanistan. ISIS also continues to expand outward, as reflected in its new activity in Bangladesh and Russia's Caucasus. ISIS may increase its activity in the Near Abroad in order to compensate for anticipated losses in Syria due to Russian intervention. ISIS will also seek to pressure Russia and possibly Iran over the next month as they escalate activity in Syria and Iraq.
ISIS-Linked Regional Activity: August 2015
Sep 30, 2015 - Harleen GambhirISIS increased its terrorism campaigns in Egypt and Saudi Arabia in August 2015, demonstrating its ability to penetrate well-protected cities and strike government targets. ISIS also increased its operational presence in Yemen, taking advantage of AQAP's focus on fighting the al-Houthis. ISIS-linked activity in Tunisia and Indonesia suggests that they represent new growth areas for ISIS's global campaign. The confirmed death of Mullah Omar will likely enhance ISIS's outreach efforts globally as well as accelerate its local campaign in Afghanistan.
Syria 90-Day Forecast: ISIS
Sep 15, 2015 - Genevieve Casagrande![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/RTR4P603_1_12.jpg?itok=oP2vxh_1)
ISIS Grand Strategic Objectives include: rule all Muslims under an Islamic Caliphate; and provoke and win an apocalyptic war with the West.
Syria 90-Day Forecast: ISIS
Sep 15, 2015 - Chris Kozak![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/RTR4P603_1_2.jpg?itok=jnB4fZJv)
ISIS Grand Strategic Objectives include: rule all Muslims under an Islamic Caliphate; and provoke and win an apocalyptic war with the West.
Syria 90-Day Forecast: ISIS
Sep 15, 2015 - Jennifer Cafarella![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/RTR4P603_1.jpg?itok=rvc-7Rl5)
ISIS Grand Strategic Objectives include: rule all Muslims under an Islamic Caliphate; and provoke and win an apocalyptic war with the West.
Tracking ISIS Since (Before) the Islamic State
Aug 7, 2015 - John Lawrence![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/Cover%20pic_1.jpg?itok=D7bsMes9)
The ISIS Sanctuary Maps from the last 14 months (and longer) show how ISW has tracked the conflict and become the recognized expert on ISIS's expansion. As we approach the one-year anniversary of U.S. and coalition airstrikes against ISIS, we have collected all our Sanctuary Maps, along with examples of where they have appeared, to help show the role ISW is proud to have played in tracking ISIS.
ISIS Near Abroad Map: July 2015
Aug 7, 2015 - Harleen Gambhir![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/ISIS%20Near%20Abroad%20Map%20--%20July%202015_0.png?itok=I7dA4j8a)
Reports that the U.S. is considering establishing forward bases to counter ISIS's affiliates in Libya and Afghanistan reflect the increasing regional capability and momentum of the group in the Near Abroad. ISIS likely will gain new support in Afghanistan and possibly globally due to the death of the Taliban's leader, Mullah Omar.