Publications

ISIS Control Methods

September 12, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

PREPARATION: ISIS was setting the conditions for uncontested rule of Raqqa since the summer of 2013, when it detonated VBIEDs against rebel headquarters, kidnapped rebel commanders, and detained civilian activists. In Mosul, ISIS undermined government institutions with large scale racketeering operations and carried out targeted assassinations against key civilian and military leaders. By the time ISIS took full military control of Raqqa in January 2014 and Mosul in June 2014, an organized opposition to ISIS did not exist.

A Strategy to Defeat The Islamic State

September 12, 2014 - Jessica D. Lewis

The Islamic State poses a grave danger to the United States and its allies in the Middle East and around the world. Reports that it is not currently planning an attack against the American homeland are little comfort. Its location, the resources it controls, the skill and determination of its leaders and fighters, and its demonstrated lethality distinguish it from other al-Qaeda-like groups. Its ability to offer safe-haven and support to terrorists planning attacks against us is beyond any terrorist threat we have ever seen.

A Strategy to Defeat The Islamic State

September 12, 2014 - Kimberly Kagan

The Islamic State poses a grave danger to the United States and its allies in the Middle East and around the world. Reports that it is not currently planning an attack against the American homeland are little comfort. Its location, the resources it controls, the skill and determination of its leaders and fighters, and its demonstrated lethality distinguish it from other al-Qaeda-like groups. Its ability to offer safe-haven and support to terrorists planning attacks against us is beyond any terrorist threat we have ever seen.

Iraq Situation Report: September 9-11, 2014

September 11, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

ISIS continues to test the security measures of the Iraqi Security Forces in Southern Iraq.

Control of Terrain in Syria: September 11, 2014

September 11, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

Control of the urban terrain in Syria is parceled among a number of armed groups, including the Syrian regime, opposition groups including Jabhat al-Nusra (JN), and the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).

ISIS Sanctuary Map: September 10, 2014

September 10, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

ISW has updated its ISIS Sanctuary map in advance of President Obama’s speech on a strategy to confront ISIS.  This map, covering both Iraq and Syria, shows the extent of ISIS zones of control, attack, and support throughout both countries.

Iraq Situation Report: September 8-9, 2014

September 9, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) is intent on regaining momentum. The Dhuluiyah fight will be a bellwether event for the Iraqi Sunni tribes in Salah ad-Din and for ISIS as well.

Iraq Situation Report: September 5-7, 2014

September 7, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

The Haditha operation represents a turning point in the counter-ISIS campaign. ISIS is now facing two significant counter-offensives in western and northern Iraq.

Syria Update: August 30-September 4, 2014

September 5, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

Rebel groups including Jabhat al-Nusra have remained on the o­ffensive after their August 27 seizure of the Quneitra Border Crossing.

 

Iraq Situation Report: September 3-4, 2014

September 4, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) is orienting its effort towards Anbar province in western Iraq and Samarra.

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