Iraq Project

Synonyms: 
iraq-project

Tracking ISIS Since (Before) the Islamic State

The ISIS Sanctuary Maps from the last 14 months (and longer) show how ISW has tracked the conflict and become the recognized expert on ISIS's expansion. As we approach the one-year anniversary of U.S. and coalition airstrikes against ISIS, we have collected all our Sanctuary Maps, along with examples of where they have appeared, to help show the role ISW is proud to have played in tracking ISIS.

The Terrorist Army Marching on Baghdad

 We're losing Iraq. Mosul, a great city in northern Iraq, now belongs to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The world has changed overnight as a former al Qaeda affiliate wrested a major city from a state by force—and without a fight. Within two days of taking Mosul, ISIS pushed south toward Baghdad, collapsing the Iraqi security forces like dominoes in cities from Mosul to Tikrit.

ISIS vs. the Iraqi Security Forces: Can the State of Iraq Survive?

The Institute for the Study of War held a conference on July 11, 2014 to discuss the current state of capabilities between ISIS and the ISF. Moderated by Ahmed Ali, ISW Senior Iraq Analyst and Iraq Team Lead, the panelists include LTG James M. Dubik (USA, ret.), ISW Senior Fellow and Jessica D.Lewis, ISW Research Director.

Press Release: "Beyond the Islamic State: Iraq's Sunni Insurgency"

On October 6, the Institute for the Study of War released a new report on Sunni insurgent groups other than ISIS in Iraq. Although the global community is now focused on the ISIS threat and is building an anti-ISIS coalition, this report shows that these other violent Sunni groups "remain a threat to the government of Iraq even if ISIS is removed."

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