The Group That Calls Itself a State: Understanding the Evolution and Challenges of the Islamic State

摘要: Abstract : The Combating Terrorism Center (CTC) has a history of studying insurgent and terrorist organizations operating out Iraq. This report, which examines the rise, activities, weaknesses group that calls itself Islamic State (IS), is continuation effort. Leveraging unique data sources, including s own material from captured documents as well online postings, this report explores IS multi-faceted organization engages in wide range suffered setbacks, undergone adaptations, continues to exhibit weaknesses. Evolution Relationship with al-Qa ida In an effort understand how became what it today, begins by examining origins late 1990s Afghanistan. finds evolution best understood outcome both design accidents. It because territorial gains governance, according believes be teachings, were part vision its founder, Abu Mus ab al-Zarqawi, since at least 1999. But, also accidents allowed exploit militant landscape Syria politics sectarianism adversely affected Iraq Arab Sunnis. achieve current status placed direct conflict most prominent global jihadi recent memory: (AQ). For while AQ considered anti-establishment force jihadis without borders, al-Zarqawi for his (the predecessor IS) was one building establishment, successors are seeking translate into reality.