Publications

Dabiq: The Strategic Messaging of the Islamic State

August 15, 2014 - Harleen Gambhir

The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham’s (ISIS) assault on the city of Mosul on June 10, 2014 demonstrated its formidable military strength. ISIS’s activities across Iraq and Syria also reveal that the organization is engaged in governance programs, ranging from Shari’a courts to aid distribution and law enforcement. These efforts underscore ISIS’s desire to erect a functional Caliphate within the boundaries of its controlled territory. That effort requires political and religious control in addition to military victory, and ISIS has a vision for how the Caliphate will form. ISIS has begun to explain its grand strategy to achieve this end through extensive public outreach, including a digital magazine series entitled Dabiq. This backgrounder will examine the contents of the first issue of Dabiq in detail, explaining the significance of this strategic messaging approach by ISIS in conjunction with the announcement of a Caliphate.

Iraq Situation Report: August 14, 2014

August 14, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

Nouri al-Maliki announced he would step down and support Haider al-Abadi’s nomination as Prime Minister, ending the political crisis that intensified on August 10, 2014 and existentially threatened Iraq’s political system.

Iraq Situation Report: August 13, 2014

August 13, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

ISIS and the Peshmerga continue to challenge one another for territorial control along the Kurdish internal boundaries in northern and eastern Iraq.

Control of Terrain in Iraq: August 13, 2014

August 13, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

The sub-district of Jalula was reported to be taken by ISIS after launching a major assault that pushed the Peshmerga out of the area.

Iraq Situation Report: August 12, 2014

August 12, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

Baghdad security has become a heightened concern given the uncertain leadership of the Iraqi Security Forces.

Afghanistan’s Fraught Political Transition and Implications for Its Security Beyond 2014

August 12, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

On Saturday, June 14, Afghanistan held its second round, run-off presidential election since no presidential candidate was able to secure at least 50 percent of the votes in the first-round election on April 5. In that first contest, the two front-runners, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani, won 45 percent and 31.56 percent of the vote, respectively.

Iraq Situation Report: August 11, 2014

August 11, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

ISF and ISOF were reportedly heavily deployed around the Green Zone and in strategic areas in Baghdad yesterday in what appeared to be a military coup.

Iraq’s President Selects Haider al-Abadi as Prime Minister as Maliki Shows Force in Baghdad

August 11, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

Key Takeaway: Iraq’s incumbent Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki maneuvered elite military units in Baghdad overnight on August 10, cutting off entrances to the protected Green Zone, in an effort to secure power by use of force. This is currently serving as a demonstration of force.

Iraq Situation Report: August 10, 2014

August 10, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

The “largest bloc” was not tasked by the Iraqi president to form the government today, missing the deadline that was already extended for three days per a request from the president.

Control of Terrain in Iraq: August 10, 2014

August 10, 2014 - Institute for the Study of War

Peshmerga forces clashed heavily with ISIS in the area of Gwer, located 30 miles southwest of Arbil city.

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