Examination of ISIL 1
Abstract
The examination of ISIL begins with the overview of the organization leading into the discussion
of the ideologies seen and recognized within the organization from its time of inception. Upon
the understanding of the ideals practiced and believed in ISIL, the organization’s history is
discussed from its beginning under the leadership of Zarqawi to the present day. Furthermore, the
geographic makeup of ISIL is examined, seeing where the terrorist organization was based and
how it has evolved since its beginning. The activities are reviewed, noting the organization’s size
and growth over the time of its existence. Tactics involved with ISIL are analyzed in-depth
throughout discussing their methodologies used and behavior in achieving their missions.
Finally, the structure of the organization is discussed along with the operational issues able to be
discovered within their walls.
Keywords: ISIL, Zarqawi, Sunni, Jihadist
Examination of ISIL 2
Overview
ISIL is a terrorist organization formed in the Middle East, more specifically in the region
of Iraq and Syria. This group would emerge from another known terrorist organization from the
Middle East, Al Qaeda. “ISIL’s origins stem from the leadership of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi”
(ISIL Finances, 2016). The call to join ISIL would be intoxicating for some, with many hearing
the call seeing beheadings in the media, mass murder, and fame through successful completion
of their attacks (Janzekovic, 2016). Individuals from around the world would be drawn to this
movement with the intent to achieve a more “’pure’ form of Islam: rejecting the effects of
modernity on the Islamic community and returning to a pious state similar to Muslims of the
First Century after the death of the Prophet Mohammed” (ISIL Finances, 2016). ISIL has a goal
in mind that is invigorating for some to achieve in the Muslim faith, to reject the current world,
and to instill the old ways of their world.
Ideology
ISIL’s ideology is rooted in Salafism which is a movement of Sunni Islam. Sunni Islam
people practice in the “most pure, virtuous form of Islam was practiced by the early generation
of Muslims (known as Salaf) who lived around the lifetime of the prophet Muhammed” (MMP,
2021). While this belief is not inherently violent the jihadist practice of this belief has perverted
its practice. The ideology of ISIL is focused on reaching the purest form of Islam and living as
their ancestors did in the time of Muhammed. ISIL is recognized globally as a jihadist Salafi
group (MMP, 2021) that functions as a terrorist organization. “Mustafa Malakoutian argues that
terrorist groups such ISIL, which claim to be advocating the Sunni branch of Islam, have killed
Sunni Muslims” (Janzekovic, 2016). Janzekovic continues to describe ISIL ideology as
“fundamentally and deeply Islamic Wahhabist, with a particular focus on contemporary
Examination of ISIL 3
Wahhabism” (Janzekovic, 2016). This belief system is like the Sunni, as the Wahhabist believes
strongly in the purest form of Islam. Additionally, the beliefs in this ideology view any
perversion of the Islam faith with disgust. When an individual does not conform to the ideals of
this they are viewed as infidels and in need of purification charging individuals with apostasy
(Janzekovic, 2016). Essentially any practice that does not align itself with the beliefs in
Wahhabism then the individual practicing this other form of Islam is seen to be a heretic
(Janzekovic, 2016). The crossovers are unmistakable as the source of traditional Wahhabi
assisted in introducing the concept of Salaf (Janzekovi, 2016). Nonetheless, ISIL is still labeled
as a Salafi jihadist group and is widely known for its cruelty, extreme violence making no room
for any mercy to be had toward their opposition in their conquest to obtain a purer form of Islam
in society.
History
The history of ISIL can be found to date back as early as 1999 (MPP, 2021). The group
would not receive its title or recognition until much later, but the leader, Zarqawi was then
forming his organization and pushing his agenda in the Salafi network. In 1999, Zarqawi traveled
to Afghanistan to meet with Al Qaeda (AQ) leader Osama bin Laden would then provide a
resource to Zarqawi to train those individuals that would join the Salafist’s organization (MPP,
2021). This resource would then allow Zarqawi to provide training to his followers to maximize
his efforts. Zarqawi would continue to train, recruit, and gain more followers and in 2004 would
then create the “insurgency, Jama’at Tawhid wa al-Jihad, the predecessor to Al-Qaeda in Iraq
(AQI)” (ISIL finances, 2016). This organization would eventually evolve into ISIL. “On June 7,
2006, Zarqawi was killed in a U.S. airstrike” (MPP, 2016) essentially marking the beginning of
the decline for the insurgency. From 2006 until 2011 the group struggled and suffered many
Examination of ISIL 4
losses from the United States, local militias, and security forces leading to the organization’s
struggle to stay relevant in the world (MPP, 2021). July of 2012 would mark the beginning of a
good move by the launching of the “Breaking the Walls” campaign which would take place for
the next year (Timeline, 2019). This campaign would lead to two dozen bombings occurring and
prison breaks growing the population of jihadists active in their organization. ISIL would begin
to expand further over the next six years, committing larger-scale attacks or bombings and
gaining more media attention. ISIL’s founding father Zarqawi intended for the Salafi jihadist
movement to focus its efforts on the opposition in the area and now twenty years later ISIL has
committed attacks against countries around the world impacting Russia, the United States, and
France’s capital, Paris. ISIL would spread its influence globally with its implementation of
recruiting tactics in social media and news outlets allowing for the formation of multiple
branches throughout different regions. “As of April 2021, the group continues to operate sleeper
cells in Iraq and Syria and retains a loose global network of jihadists” (MPP, 2021).
Geographic Make up
The geographic makeup of ISIL primarily consists of the region in the middle east,
specifically in Syria and Iraq. The locations of ISIL have changed many times throughout its
history having activity in foreign countries around the world impacting many organizations and
government organizations.
Size & Activities
The size and activities of ISIL started with its founding father, Zarqawi. Zarqawi would
work to build his organization with the assistance of another well-known terrorist organization,
Al-Qaeda. Zarqawi would utilize the resources to train new members to his cause growing his
Examination of ISIL 5
force too quickly and obtaining 2-4,000 followers who would be trained in Afghanistan at a
location provided by Osama Bin Laden (MPP, 2021). The activities of the organization would
focus primarily on more local or regional targets. Zarqawi wanted to return to a pure form of
Islam and would commit violent acts against those that would not adhere to his beliefs (MPP,
2021). The present-day size of ISIL is unknown as they are believed to only be operating
“sleeper cells in Iraq and Syria and retain a loose global network of jihadists” (MPP, 2021).
Tactics, Behaviors, and Methodologies
The tactics utilized by ISIL prove that this organization is extremely capable of achieving
its objectives. The group has shown its ability to work as a “state, an insurgency, and a terrorist
organization” and has done so effectively. The organization utilizes the media to its advantage in
inspiring attacks to occur around the world, the recruitment of those who wish to join their cause,
and for the financial gain from third parties. ISIL maintained a well-organized militia ensuring
efficiency in the war effort (MPP, 2021). The behaviors and methodologies are encompassed
within the ideologies of ISIL which are centered on Sunni jihadist belief in returning to the
purest form of Islam. The organization does so by targeting those that are non-Sunni such as
Christians, Shias, and homosexuals to name a few (MPP, 2021). ISIL would use media in
inspiring as seen in videos, social media, and overall use of propaganda to improve recruitment
and violence abroad.
Force Multipliers
The force multipliers for ISIL range from its resources, media strategy, and financial
assets. The financial resources of ISIL can range from third parties to utilizing the natural
resources to their advantage. ISIL’s use of social media would lead many individuals to join their
Examination of ISIL 6
cause from around the world, working to be trained by the terrorist organization or simply
inspired to commit violent acts in their areas (Barr & Herfroy-Mischler, 2017). ISIL’s influence
has drawn worldwide attention as their cruelty is seen to be appealing by many with some of
their financial support stemming from supporters. Additionally, the organization would be able to
utilize criminal rings to provide support to their own recruiting, intelligence gathering, and as an
additional financial resource (MPP, 2021).
Structure
The structure of ISIL from the beginning has always consisted of a primary leader.
Starting with Zarqawi in beginning the movement and inspiring thousands to seek out the purest
form of Islam and implementing it across the region to now as of 2019 being under al-Qurashi on
a global scale (MPP, 2021). The leadership over its history has established a very broad
organization reaching every continent expanding its influence. ISIL’s structure would evolve as it
formed new cells in different countries expanding the operational capacity and overall impact on
society.
Operational Issues
Overall, for ISIL the organization did not seem to have many organizational issues. The
organization kept extensive records on its military operations and finances (ISIL Finance, 2016).
Additionally, as noted earlier the organization maintained an organized militia and ensured
efficiency by remaining light and highly maneuverable (MPP, 2021). ISIL was able to utilize the
dark web, money laundering methods, and digital currency to better manage its organization on a
larger scale. These methods allowed the organization to operate efficiently organizing its
criminal rings, human trafficking, foreign donors, and other methods to maximize their profit to
er
Examination of ISIL 7
further assist in future attacks. ISIL is a strategically strong organization that was able to function
very well as a state, terrorist organization, and insurgency simultaneously.
Examination of ISIL 8
References
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