Publications

ISIS Prison Attacks in Iraq 2005, 2012-2013

October 12, 2019 - ISW Press

This ISW graphic depicts the major attacks on prisons conducted by al Qaeda in Iraq (ISIS's predecessor) in 2005 and in 2012-2013. A resurgent ISIS in 2019 sees breakouts of its detained fighters across Syria and Iraq as key to its future rebuilding.

ISIS Sanctuary Map: August 2019

October 12, 2019 - ISW Press

This ISW map depicts an assessment of ISIS's control, attack, and support zones across Iraq and Syria as of August 2019. ISIS's accelerating campaign to rebuild strength is now coinciding with a new Turkish incursion into Northern Syria and the announced withdrawal of nearly all U.S. forces from Syria.

Map: Turkey's New Syria Offensive

October 11, 2019 - ISW Press

Turkish military forces and proxies are conducting a new offensive into Northern Syria that will affect the counter-ISIS campaign, among other issues. The latest ISW map depicts the situation on the ground as of October 11, 2019.

Podcast: Turkey's Syria Incursion

October 7, 2019 - ISW Press

The latest Overwatch: Crisis Brief podcast examines the consequences of a Turkish operation into Northern Syria targeting the Syrian Kurdish-led forces that have been central to the counter-ISIS campaign. The briefs cover potential next moves by ISIS, Iranian proxies, and the Assad regime.

Turkish Invasion of Northeast Syria Looks Imminent

October 5, 2019 - John Dunford

Turkey is preparing to launch a new military operation in Syria that will undermine key U.S. national security interests. The Syrian Democratic Forces will be forced to de-prioritize the fight against ISIS while key oil infrastructure in Eastern Deir ez-Zour Province will be put at greater risk of targeting by the pro-Assad coalition.

ISIS Campaign to Escape Detention in Syria and Iraq

October 4, 2019 - ISW Press

ISIS has mounted low-level efforts to replenish its ranks from members held in detention facilities and displacement camps across Syria and Iraq since late 2018. ISIS is likely preparing more coordinated and sophisticated operations to free its detained members in Iraq and Syria.

Podcast: Escalating Protests in Iraq

October 3, 2019 - ISW Press

Over several "Crisis Brief" podcast episodes, Jennifer Cafarella and guests explain the ongoing unrest in Iraq, the significance of protests, and the underlying political dynamics. This series also looks beyond the immediate political instability to identify the effects on key U.S. national security concerns, from the counter-ISIS fight to Iran's destabilizing role.

Podcast: Russia's Africa Campaign

September 30, 2019 - ISW Press

On Episode 2 of Overwatch, Nataliya Bugayova and Darina Regio preview the October 2019 Russia-Africa summit and unpack the scope and depth of the Russian campaign across Africa, as well as its effects on the region and U.S. interests.

Event Webcast: Syria Study Group

September 26, 2019 - ISW Press

Tune in Thursday, September 26 at 2:30 PM EST to watch ISW President Dr. Kimberly Kagan and her Syria Study Group colleagues discuss the situation in Syria and a way forward at a discussion event convened by the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C.

ISIS Prepares for Breakout in Prisons and Camps

September 23, 2019 - ISW Press

ISIS is preparing to free its loyal fighters and followers from prisons and displacement camps across Syria and Iraq following ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's September 16, 2019 statement encouraging a breakout. In one camp in Northern Syria, ISIS has been fundraising via encrypted social media channels for several months.

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