Features Of ISIS Ideology - Research Paper Example

Features Of ISIS’ Ideology Introduction Terrorism refers to premeditated violence that exceeds the normal levels. The violence targets civilian or non-combatant targets. Terrorists carry out the actions as they pursue political ends. They believe that the use of violence can influence the public through the deliberate creation of fear (Aymenn 2014). Although terrorist organizations have failed to carry out a large-scale attack after the September 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, they have succeeded in attracting new recruits. In addition, they have carried out many small-scale attacks in the world. ISIL is a powerful terrorist group that has arisen to fill the gap left by the waning influence of Al-Qaeda. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The group is referred to as Daesh in Arabic. The term is used for a self-proclaimed Islam state. The group controls territory in Iraq and Syria. In addition, it also operates in the Middle East. The group constitutes a unique form of terrorist organizations because it has developed the features of the army and an elaborate state structure. The organization also engages in terrorist warfare and territorial expansion (Ajbaili 2014). The stated goal of the organization is to restore an Islamic state in the area stretching from Southern Turkey through Syria to Egypt. The area includes the following countries; Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan. Even Israel is located in the area. Many factors inform the focus on the anatomy of religious groups. Firstly, terrorist activities are often perpetrated by terrorist organizations as opposed to individuals (Ajbaili 2014). As a result, understanding how the terror groups are structured is important in establishing their impact on the society. In addition, it provides insight into the best way of battling terrorist organizations. For instance, anti-terror units can target the leaders of the terror organizations. The strikes can be conducted through drones. The move will undermine the operations of the terrorist groups. Secondly, focusing on the anatomy of terrorist groups addresses the limitations of individual and environmental approaches. Understanding the anatomy of terrorism involves an evaluation of the elements that make terrorism. As a result, six key areas should be considered. Firstly, it is necessary to determine the reasons why individuals engage in terrorism. Secondly, it is prudent to establish how terrorists plan and execute their attacks. Thirdly, governments should establish how to use the information provided to combat terrorism. Fourthly, the actors who are involved in terrorism either directly or indirectly should be identified. Subsequently, the financial, political and emotional supporters of terrorism and the victims of their heinous acts should be identified. Lastly, the significant role that the media play in the overall strategy of the terrorist groups aimed at maximizing public awareness of their political objectives is fundamental (Ajbaili 2014). An evaluation of the terrorism the world shows that without a clear and reasoned intergovernmental communication, the international community will face a significant challenge in addressing the rapid increase in terrorism around the world. The Anatomy of ISIS ISIS has an elaborate command structure headed by the Caliph, who serves as the Commander in Chief. The current Caliph is Abu Bakr alBaghdadi (Filger 2014). A council of elders advises the commander. The next level of authority involves two similar positions. Two deputies were given the authority over Syria and Iraq. The two positions demonstrate the significant interest of the organization in both areas. The Executive Branch of the organization is referred to as the Al Amara (Thompson &Shubert 2014). The Shura council focuses on the religious and military affairs of the organization. The deputies supervise the twelve governors in the two countries. Eight councils perform the tasks that are required in order to enable the organization to operate. The elaborate structure indicates that terrorist organizations have a lot of respect for hierarchical structures. In addition, it is clear that they many goals that they hope to achieve through the implementation of effective management practices. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi serves as the mysterious leader of an organization that has caused a lot of concern among international leaders. He has managed to avoid drone attacks and survived many civil wars. The observation demonstrates his survival skills. In addition, he has managed to unify military groups under him. The move has been accompanied by a deliberate attempt to raise an army of jihadists from across the globe. As a result, he has succeeded in capturing large pieces of land between northern Syria and central Iraq. In a deliberate action that demonstrates his commitment to his agenda, he has declared an Islamic state in the region that is the size of Pennsylvania (Thompson & Shubert 2014). The elaborate command structure can be attributed to the effort to create a bureaucratic structure that not only maintains the rule of law but also ensures that the group can build on its gains on the battlefield. In addition, it ensures that the nature of the organization is not limited to its military nature alone. Instead, it shows that the group that has the ability of governing. An evaluation of the structure of the group shows that it has adopted the governance structures of western countries. The move highlights the hypocrisy of terrorist organizations that attack western values but try to implement them. In addition, it shows that strong governance structures are important for the success of any mission. The Executive branch of the government is composed of Baghdadi, his cabinet and his two key deputies. The division of the operations into Iraq and Al-Amaria can be attributed to the desire to make the conquered regions easy to run. The governors are tasked with the responsibility of enabling the local councils to perform their responsibilities in a way that they advance rather than undermining the overall mission of the organization. The Shura council ensures that all the officials comply with the ISIS version of the Islamic law (Thompson & Shubert 2014). ISIS has a lot of interest in ensuring that it receives as much media attention as possible. The Shura Councils is in charge of sanctioning such activities (Thompson & Shubert 2014). The Shura is a powerful unit. For instance, it can identify when the leaders are violating their interpretation of Sharia law. Furthermore, the command structure serves as a reminder that ISIS is keen on evolving into a government whose political decision-making is as strong as its military capabilities. In addition, it symbolizes the ultimate goal of the organization. The group clearly wants to govern. ISIL was formed towards the end of 2006 (Aymenn 2014). The group is strongest in Anbar. The terrorist group has many training camps in the desert. In addition, it retains a partial presence in Ramadi and Nineveh. The organization functions as the mafia in Mosul. The observation can be attributed to the fact that it extorts money from local businesses. An evaluation of the environment that supports the group shows that it has developed out of the unstable political climate created by the Sunni insurgency in the area. The vast financial influence in the organization shows that it is responsible for the frequent and coordinated bomb attacks in the area targeting civilians in Baghdad and other regions. In addition, ISIL is active and has the ability of carrying out attacks in Kut, Wasit and Nasiviriyah governorates. In addition, it is also expected to be behind the attacks in the Kurdish region. ISIL has used social media to advertise its operations in a number of provinces in the country. In addition, the group is attempting to demonstrate the institutions of proto-state building in Fallujah. The move is supposed to act as a statement on the importance of establishing an Islamic virtue. Consequently, it is clear that it is a strong terrorist organization (Thompson & Shubert 2014). The group has many similarities with Jamaat Ansar al-Islam (JAI). The latter is a 2007 offshoot of the defunct Iraqi Kurdistan Al-Qaeda affiliated Ansar Al Islam (Aymenn 2014). JAI operates in Nineveh, Kirkuk and Salah ad-Din provinces. However, it occasionally carries out operations near Baghdad. The frequency of its operations is small as compared to those conducted by a more organized and better-financed ISIL. For instance, ISIL can carry out more than 100 operations in Nineveh in a single month while JAI can only manage a couple of dozen (Aynmenn 2014). However, both groups support the establishment of a caliphate. They engage in Takfir, a term that refers to the act of accusing fellow Muslims of apostasy. In addition, they often target Shia Muslims. In this respect, JAI has a deep rivalry with ISIL. Consequently, it is correct to assert that terror groups have different ideological beliefs. However, an evaluation of the available data on terrorism reveals that a disproportionate number of terrorists are Muslims. The observation has led to a lot of negative perception of the Muslim community in most western societies. In addition, it has increased the level of suspicion with which the Muslims are regarded as potential risks to public safety. The Muslim leadership is partly to blame for this unfortunate state of events. Instead of condemning the actions of terrorists who use Islam as an excuse, they often remain silent. In order for the Muslim community to gain the respect and trust of the public, it has to condemn the barbaric actions that are often committed under the name of Islam. Other terrorist organizations such as JAI, claim that ISIL does not consider itself as a mere group or faction like the rest. In fact, it has resorted to using Daesh, a derogatory term referring to ISIL (Aymenn 2014). Consequently, ISIL has labeled the group as a criminal organization. The move was influenced by the inability of the latter to support the project of the Caliphate. Besides the two groups, the most generic term that can be used for the insurgency refers to the revolutionaries of the tribes. The scenario has involved the declaration of independence in a number of tribal military councils that began in Anbar and spread to the rest of the region. The general Anbar tribal military council is the most prominent. The group comprises of a variety of nationalist insurgents from groups that had ceased operations in the area. As a result, it is correct to assert that the withdrawal of the American forces from the area played a significant role in the increasing destabilization of the region. Outside of Anbar, it is clear that many tribal military councils act as fronts for the Baathist Naqshabandi Army. The group distinguishes itself from the other groups in engaging in occasional cross-sectarian messaging (Ajbaili 2014). The influence of the group is visible in its social media presence through the Intifida Ahrar Al Iraq. The activist wing is a vocal supporter of the Shia tribal military council. The relations between the different terrorist groups in the region are often complicated. For example, the group has a deep mistrust for the Naqshabandi. The move was influenced by the belief that the latter supports un-Islamic agendas. An evaluation of the current situation in the region demonstrates that the Iraqi government will fail to revive the widespread Sahwa movement. Instead, the violence in the region is expected to increase as groups battle for control. Although none of the terrorist groups has the ability of dislodging the central government, it is clear that ISIL has many resources. Consequently, it poses the greatest military and terrorist threat. The other groups constitute a problem for the government as it seeks to assert control in the Sunni Arab areas. Although ISIS has demonstrated that it acts in a strategic and rational manner, the gruesome beheadings of foreign journalists shows that it is not different from other terrorist organizations. The group is made up of many people that are motivated by the sadistic desire to commit manner in the most heinous way possible. The members are not motivated by a desire to restore the Islamic Caliphate in the area. The violence experienced in Syria in the recent past has exposed the young people to a lot of violence. Consequently, they are exposed to violent behavior. ISIL forces people in the areas under their controls to declare the Islamic creed. Furthermore, they live according to the interpretation of Sunni Islam and Sharia law. The group uses death threats, torture and mutilation to force individuals to convert to Islam. The ruthlessness of the group is demonstrated in the killing of clerics that refuse to pledge their alliance to the Islamic State. In addition, the group directs violence at the Shia Muslims and indigenous communities in the area. Moreover, the group is responsible for actions aimed at ethnic cleansing of ethnic and minority groups in Northern Iraq. Social media use Although a significant part of the struggle between ISIL and the government of Iraqi involves a battle along geopolitical lines, social media has emerged as a new field for the battle for the future of Iraq. ISIL has successfully used social media platforms such as Twitter to spread propaganda and gain new followers (Shane & Hubbard 2014). Consequently, it has succeeded in increasing its popularity in the region. Before ISIL forces began making advances into the heart of Iraq as it edged closer to Baghdad, it released many social media posts across multiple social media platforms. The move was aimed at encouraging its supporters and driving fear into the hearts of its opponents. The Iraq government has failed to respond to the strategy. The dysfunctional Baghdad government makes it difficult to imagine that it will be able to develop a social media society to respond to the serious threat posed by the online presence of ISIL. The most significant victory that the terrorist group can win is in winning the hearts of the people while driving fear into its opponents (Shane & Hubbard, 2014). The move will make the public embrace it. As a result, it will develop a sense of legitimacy that would undermine the ability of the Iraqi government to govern. ISIL has made social media use a key component of its strategy (Shane & Hubard 2014). For instance, it has created an app that its supporters can download into their phones free. Downloading the app allows the group to access to their Twitter accounts. As a result, the group can reach a wide audience by releasing a burst of tweets at scheduled periods. Consequently, each tweet by the group is sent by many people. The move creates an illusion that the messages are being tweeted by a large group of people. In addition, having a large number of people to tweet for it enables its messages to avoid being labeled as spam. In addition, its members often create or use popular trends. When the trend is retweeted by a large group of people, it gains a lot of attention in social media. Consequently, it attains a high rank that enables more people to see it. An evaluation of the online presence of the group demonstrates that it is particularly very effective in using Twitter. Besides Twitter, the group has a strong presence on other sites. For example, it uses Instagram and Tumbler to spread images of some of its executions. The graphic nature of the material plays a significant role in ensuring that their updates have a viral effect. ISIL understands that underlining a sense of progress and success enables it to develop relevance (Shane & Hubbard 2014). The move challenges the viability and value of its rival terrorist organizations in the region. The consistent ruthlessness and updates that it posts on social media enable the group to create an image that it is very powerful and successful. However, the image maybe removed from the reality on the ground. Consequently, the government has been forced to limit internet access to certain areas and effort to limit the online presence of the group. The move may prove to be counterproductive for the government. For example, it antagonizes the Iraq people at a time when it should be focusing on increasing its support among the Iraq people. However, the Iraq government is facing a difficult task. Appealing to the public for support and stability may not be as convincing as the emotional appeals that are made by the terrorist groups. Terrorist organizations such as ISIL appeal to the hopes and fears of the people (Shane & Hubard 2014). Although the images it posts are mostly abhorrent, the rhetoric that it uses appeal to the emotions of the Muslim community. The most effective thing that the international community should worry about is the fact that these online appeals could enable the group to attract new recruits online. As a result, there has to be a deliberate effort to undermine the activities of the group on social media. However, an evaluation of the facts suggests that its strong influence on social media can be attributed to the hype created by the western media. The news outlets in the western world have covered how the group uses social media in a sensational manner. In fact, sometimes their coverage seemed like an endorsement of its actions. The unintended consequence involved more publicity for the group across the world. In fact, it is possible that the media coverage of the group has played a significant role in its rise as a significant terrorist organization in the world. For now, the group is focused on creating an independent Muslim state (Shane & Hubbard, 2014). Consequently, it does not pose an immediate security risk. The urgency with which the international community is responding to the issue can be attributed to the fear that if the group succeeds in establishing a new country, it will destabilize the region. The move can be attributed to the territorial alterations that will enviably be followed by such as scenario. Furthermore, the western countries are afraid that once it achieves its domestic agenda, it will create an enabling environment for terrorist organizations to grow and develop in the country. Criticism of ISIL ISIL has received a lot of criticism. First, Muslim scholars have questioned its claim that its mission is based on the teachings of the Koran. The criticism is often accompanied by a strong argument that nothing justifies the extremist and militant ideas advanced by the group. Second, the international community has condemned its extremist practices. Third, Muslim scholars and international leaders have ridiculed its name and the Islamic Caliphate. Fourth, the group has evolved into a form that resembles a militia group as opposed to a terrorist organization. Although it enjoys a strong presence in the region now, it will be destroyed through a coordinated international effort (Borger 2014). Compulsion in religion acts as the ideological foundation for ISIS and other Islamist movements in the world. Such groups believe that they have a superior knowledge of the wishes of God (Whitaker, 2014). As a result, they feel a sense of entitlement in punishing those who fail to comply with the divine will. Consequently, they believe their actions are informed by the need to make the world more holy. The bombing of ISIS and Islamist movements may suppress such movements for a while but fail to address the ideological problem (Whitaker 2014). Although the freedom of belief is a widely accepted principle among the international community, the Arab countries and societies have not embraced the principle fully. Conclusion Terrorist organizations have an elaborate leadership structure. The observation can be attributed to the information that has been gained through the evaluation of the three terrorist groups. Muslim societies have a strong regard for clear leadership structures. The elaborate structure of ISIL has played a significant role in ensuring that it increases its influence in the region. In addition, it has enabled it to increase its influence in the region. In fact, the group has emerged as a serious threat to the stability of the region. Consequently, there is a lot of interest among international leaders in understanding the anatomy of the group. Moreover, it is clear that unless the international community intervenes in a meaningful manner, the Iraq government will not be able to hold off ISIL for long. The international community has to develop a global digital strategy to address the incredible rise of terrorism. However, the most effective strategy that the international community can pursue in addressing the rise of terrorism involves the adoption of a multipronged strategy. Firstly, the leaders and financiers of terror organizations should be targets. They should be killed through sustained drone attacks. Secondly, stakeholders should ensure that the Middle East becomes a stable and peaceful region again. Thirdly, it is necessary to identify and respond to emerging terror threats in different parts of the world. Fourthly, the Muslim community should take a strong stand against the people who commit unspeakable atrocities in the name of Islam. The root causes of terrorism lies in the belief that the Muslim faith advocates for its members to ensure that all humanity embraces Islam (Tahrir 2014). Understanding the anatomy of terrorist organizations has led to the identification of the factors that make terrorist organizations so effective. List of References Ajbaili, M 2014, How ISIS conquered social media. Al Arabiya. [Online] Available at http://english.alarabiya.net/en/media/digital/2014/06/24/How-has-ISIS-conquered-social-media- .html> 25th December 2014 Aymenn Jawad Al Tamimi 2014, Anatomy of militant groups reveals Iraq’s different challenges. The National. . [Online] Available at 25th December 2014 Borger, J 2014, US claims Isis demoralized by heavy losses from air strikes. The Guardian. [Online] Available at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/19/isis-demoralised-us-air- strikes>25th December 2014 Filger, S 2014, President Obama Wages War on the Islamic State, aka ISIS and ISIL: Anatomy of a Disaster in the Making. The Huffington Post. [Online] Available at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sheldon-filger/president-obama-wages-war_b_5933642.html [25th December 2014] Shane, S & Hubbard, B 2014, ISIS Displaying a Deft Command of Varied Media. The New York Times. 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