Al-Qaeda in Iraq and the Rise of ISIS

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Questions and Answers

Who is the high profile al Qaeda member who founded the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI)?

Ayman al-Zawahiri

Al Zarqawi (correct)

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Osama bin Laden

What event in 2006 led to the decline of Al Qaeda in Iraq?

The establishment of the Caliphate

The American surge in Iraq

The death of Al Zarqawi (correct)

The Syrian conflict

What is the name of the group that was largely absorbed by Al Qaeda in Iraq in 2013?

Islamic State of Iraq

Al Nusrah front (correct)

Jabhat al-Nusra

Al Qaeda in Syria

When was the Caliphate established in Mosul?

June 29, 2014 Signup and view all the answers

Why did Islamic State attract many young Islamic fighters?

Because of their charismatic leader Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019?

He was killed in a US military operation Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the rise in pressure in Arab countries?

Lack of civil and political liberties Signup and view all the answers

What made it difficult for governments to track and control protests?

New social media Signup and view all the answers

Why was the West unprepared to respond to the protests?

Surprise at the sudden uprisings Signup and view all the answers

What was the fear of the West regarding the popular uprisings?

The uprisings would be hijacked by extreme Islamists Signup and view all the answers

What triggered widespread protests across several countries?

Death of a Tunisian street vendor Signup and view all the answers

Where did the Arab Spring protests start?

Tunisia Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Ben Ali after the protests?

He fled to Saudi Arabia Signup and view all the answers

Why did the West fear the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt?

They were Islamic extremists Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the US regarding Saddam Hussein?

To get rid of Saddam Hussein and install a regime that is friendly to the US Signup and view all the answers

What did the majority of the American public believe about Saddam Hussein's involvement in 9/11?

He was involved Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of Hans Blix's report on Iraqi cooperation?

He found overall good cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the US attempt to secure a second UN resolution?

The US failed to secure a second resolution Signup and view all the answers

What did Powell's speech to the UN achieve?

It was unconvincing Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for the reintroduction of UN weapons inspections?

To re-introduce inspectors after a long absence Signup and view all the answers

What was the joint statement from Chirac, Putin, and Schroeder regarding the war?

The war was not justified Signup and view all the answers

How long did Hans Blix say it would take to get definitive answers on remaining questions?

Months Signup and view all the answers

How long was Gaddafi in power in Libya?

42 years Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the crackdown on protesters in Libya in 2011?

Protesters became more determined Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason behind the UNSC resolution 1973?

To protect civilians from Gaddafi's army Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the initial stalemate in the Libyan conflict?

The conflict escalated into a civil war Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the eastern regions of Libya in the protests?

They were the main location of protests Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Gaddafi's attempt to crackdown on protesters?

Protesters became more determined and united Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the National Transitional Council (NTC) in Libya?

It was the government of Libya after Gaddafi's fall Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the NATO operation in Libya?

Gaddafi was killed and the NATO operation ended Signup and view all the answers

Who has been ruling Syria since 2000?

Bashar al-Assad Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason behind the protests in Syria in 2011?

Failure to fulfil promised reforms Signup and view all the answers

What is the religious background of the ruling family in Syria?

Shia Alawite Signup and view all the answers

Which country had a similar situation to Syria in terms of protests in 2011?

Tunisia Signup and view all the answers

Why did the army remain loyal to Assad in Syria?

The reason is not specified in the text Signup and view all the answers

Who supported the Syrian government against the rebels?

Russia and Iran Signup and view all the answers

What kind of rebels were attracted to fight in Syria?

Religiously inspired radicals Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the conflict between the rebels and the government in Syria?

The conflict is still ongoing Signup and view all the answers

Who ruled Egypt from 1981 to 2011?

Hosni Mubarak Signup and view all the answers

What was the symbolic place occupied by protesters in Egypt?

Tahrir square Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the army in Egypt after Mubarak's resignation?

Taking over control of the country Signup and view all the answers

Why was the West cautious in its reaction to the protests in Egypt?

Fear of losing a loyal ally Signup and view all the answers

Who was elected as the President of Egypt on 30 June 2012?

Mohamed Morsi Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Morsi's constitutional decree in November 2012?

Mass protests and military ultimatum Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of General El-Sisi's intervention in Egypt?

Deposition of Morsi on 3 July 2013 Signup and view all the answers

What was the similarity between Egypt and Tunisia in 2011?

Both countries had similar conditions that led to protests Signup and view all the answers

What was the spark that led to outrage and protests across Tunisia?

A desperate event that showed the dire situation of many people Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about Tunisia's protests?

The use of new media to organize protests without being prevented Signup and view all the answers

What did Ben Ali attempt to take with him when he fled Tunisia?

Stacks of money and gold Signup and view all the answers

Where did Ben Ali seek refuge after fleeing Tunisia?

Saudi Arabia Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the French foreign minister to the protests in Tunisia?

He proposed to send French security forces to help Ben Ali Signup and view all the answers

What did the discovery of stacks of money and gold in Ben Ali's houses reveal?

The decadence of the Ben Ali regime Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of the War on Terror on the US?

Erosion of US principles and agreements, like the rule of law and Geneva convention Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the world to the US' decision to attack Afghanistan after 9/11?

The world was initially very supportive of the Americans Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the War on Terror on the US' image and prestige?

It tarnished the US' image and prestige Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Guantanamo Bay during the War on Terror?

It was a prison where prisoners were held without trial or attorney Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of Americans to the Patriot Act after 9/11?

They gave up many of their freedoms for their security Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the War on Terror on other countries?

It led to an increase in terrorist attacks in other countries, such as in Madrid and London Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Barack Obama's presidency in terms of the War on Terror?

It marked a significant shift in US policy, with a charm offensive to repair the US' image Signup and view all the answers

What was the violation of the Geneva Convention during the War on Terror?

The use of torture and humiliation as an interrogation method Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial goal of the international operation in Libya?

To protect civilian populations Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason behind the US reluctance to take a leading role in the Libyan intervention?

The US was still recovering from its adventures in Iraq and Afghanistan Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the NATO operation in Libya?

Gaddafi was killed, and the National Transitional Council took over Signup and view all the answers

Why did NATO's actions in Libya go beyond the original UN Resolution?

Because France and Great Britain wanted to remove Gaddafi from power Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of NATO's actions in Libya beyond the original UN Resolution?

Tensions arose between NATO and the other permanent members of the UN SC Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the National Transitional Council (NTC) in Libya?

It was the newly recognized government of Libya Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the situation in Libya after Gaddafi's downfall?

Different rebel factions fought for power Signup and view all the answers

What was the concern about the situation in Libya after the NATO operation?

That the country would become a playground for extremist groups Signup and view all the answers

What motivated many conservative Muslims to join radical and violent Islamic groups in Syria?

The belief that violence is the only way to achieve their goals Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of radical Islamic organizations in Syria?

To establish an Islamic state Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Al Qaeda in Iraq around 2008?

It almost disappeared Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Syrian civil war?

The creation of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the international community fail to respond to the protests in Syria?

Because they did not want to intervene in another country's internal affairs Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi in the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)?

He was a leader of the group Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the establishment of the Caliphate in Mosul?

The establishment of a new Islamic state in Iraq Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the presence of Muslim jihadi fighters in Syria and Iraq?

It led to a deterioration in the situation in Syria and Iraq Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Morsi's attempt to expand the power of the President?

Mass protests erupted, and he was eventually imprisoned. Signup and view all the answers

What was the fear of the West regarding the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt?

They feared the Brotherhood would seize power and establish an authoritarian regime. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the removal of Mubarak from power in Egypt?

The military took over, and the country was left in a worse state. Signup and view all the answers

What was the US position on Mubarak during the Arab Spring protests?

The US saw Mubarak as a loyal ally and wanted to maintain the status quo. Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the unrest in North Africa during the Arab Spring?

A significant increase in refugee movements across the Mediterranean. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the US regarding the Arab Spring protests in Egypt?

To see a transition to a liberal democracy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driving factor behind people's decision to engage in violent acts against others and themselves?

Support for dictators and human rights violations Signup and view all the answers

What has been the primary focus of the US and its allies in the Middle East?

Countering terrorism and its supporters Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept that has been used to justify actions in different areas of the world?

The fight against terrorism Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the notion of attacking a potential enemy before they can attack?

Pre-emptive strike Signup and view all the answers

What has been the result of countries like Russia and China using the fight against terrorism to justify their actions?

The suppression of internal political opposition Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe weapons such as atomic, biological, and chemical weapons?

Weapons of Mass Destruction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the US's focus on countries like Iraq, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Libya, and Syria?

Their alleged support for terrorist groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying reason for the unconditional support of the US to Israel?

Lack of respect for Arab human rights Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the American strategy in Afghanistan?

To use the Northern Alliance to carry out ground operations with air support Signup and view all the answers

What allowed the ISAF operation led by NATO to take place in Afghanistan?

United Nations Resolution 1386 Signup and view all the answers

Why did the situation in Afghanistan begin to deteriorate by 2006?

The US decided to focus on rebuilding Iraq instead of Afghanistan Signup and view all the answers

What was the problem with the Bush administration's approach to war in Afghanistan?

It was too focused on the hard side of war, with little attention to the soft side Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the 'Afghanization' of the war under Obama?

To temporarily and conditionally increase the number of troops to 100,000 Signup and view all the answers

Where did Osama Bin Laden escape to after the US invasion of Afghanistan?

The country of Pakistan Signup and view all the answers

How many US soldiers had been killed by 2003?

Only 30 Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the operation that took place on 2 May 2011 in Abbottabad, Pakistan?

Osama Bin Laden was killed Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the US focus on Iraq instead of rebuilding Afghanistan?

A deterioration in the situation in Afghanistan Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the NATO mission in Afghanistan?

The mission ended in December 2014 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the US-Taliban negotiations in 2018?

To facilitate a peaceful withdrawal of US troops Signup and view all the answers

What was the problem with the Afghan state in terms of administering tribal areas?

It was too weak and decentralized Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the War in Afghanistan?

It was the longest war in American history Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why it is not possible to impose a modern, centralized nation-state in Afghanistan?

Due to the need for a natural evolution with broad support of the people Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021?

The Taliban took over Afghanistan Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Vice-President Biden in the War in Afghanistan?

He advocated for a modest increase in troops to train Afghan forces Signup and view all the answers

What is the majority of the population in the center and south of Iraq?

Shia Muslims Signup and view all the answers

What was the privileged position held by Sunni Muslims during Saddam's rule?

Privileged position in society Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the chaos of the War in Iraq?

The rise of Al Qaeda in Iraq Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the surge in American troops by 30,000?

Increase in local tribal attacks on Al-Qaeda Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the withdrawal of US forces in 2009-2011?

Tarnished US prestige and reputation Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for the rise of Al Qaeda in Iraq?

The chaos of the War in Iraq Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the situation in Iraq by 2006?

Many people died due to religious violence daily Signup and view all the answers

What was the response of the tribes to the situation in Iraq by 2006?

They started organizing themselves to bring back order and get rid of Al Qaeda Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Al-Qaeda and the Rise of ISIS

Al Zarqawi, a high-profile al-Qaeda member, founded the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) and perpetrated violent attacks against Shia Muslims in Iraq.
He was killed in 2006, and after the American surge in Iraq, his group faded and almost disappeared by 2008.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi took over the leadership of what remained of al-Qaeda in Iraq in 2010 and allowed the group to grow again.
The Syrian conflict attracted many disgruntled Islamists, and several rebel groups fought the Syrian government and each other.
The Al Nusrah front was created and later largely absorbed by Al-Qaeda in Iraq, leading to the creation of ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) in 2013.
On 29 June 2014, Al Baghdadi established the Caliphate in Mosul and declared himself Caliph.
Islamic State grew in Syria and Iraq, reaching close to Baghdad, and perpetrated mass killings and torture.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was a charismatic leader who attracted many young Islamic fighters from the West and traditional conservative Muslim countries.
Al Baghdadi was killed in October 2019, and today, IS is almost completely obliterated.

The Road to War in Iraq

The goal was to remove Saddam Hussein and install a regime friendly to the US.
The American public was convinced that Saddam Hussein was involved in 9/11, which was not true.
American policymakers convinced the public that Saddam Hussein was developing nuclear weapons and other weapons that could hit the US, which was also not true.
The Road to War involved looking for UN support, re-introducing weapons inspections, and issuing an ultimatum.
The US failed to secure a second UN resolution, leading to mounting pressure to mobilize US deployments before March.

The Arab Spring

The Arab Spring started in Tunisia, where a street vendor burnt himself to death in mid-December 2010, leading to widespread protests and the eventual flee of President Ben Ali to Saudi Arabia.
The protests triggered widespread protests across several countries, including Egypt, Libya, and Syria.
The West was unprepared to respond, and struggled to support the demands of the people while fearing the rise of extreme Islamists.

Libya

Muammar Gaddafi had been in power since 1969, and protests started in February 2011.
Gaddafi violently cracked down on protesters, which strengthened their resolve.
The UN Security Council voted Resolution 1973 to protect civilians, as Gaddafi's army approached Benghazi.
The West, specifically European countries, wanted to intervene to prevent Gaddafi from causing a massacre.
The initial aim of the intervention was to protect civilians, but it eventually turned into a goal of regime change.

Syria

The Al-Assad family had ruled Syria since 1971, with Bashar al-Assad taking over in 2000.
Protests started on 26 January 2011, but failed to fulfill promised reforms.
The opposition had a religious element, with Sunni majority ruled by Shia Alawites.
The army remained loyal to Assad, and he received support from Russia and Iran.
Syria became a fertile ground for religiously inspired rebels, including the Free Syrian Army and Jabhat al-Nusrah.

Consequences of the War on Terror

Erosion of US principles and agreements, such as the rule of law and Geneva convention, resulting in a threat to American values and standing in the world.
Torture as an interrogation method and non-respect of International Law, exemplified by Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib.
Internal opposition and financial burden due to the Patriot Act.

Global Impact of the War on Terror

March 2004: attacks in Madrid – 191 deaths.
July 2005: attacks in London – 52 deaths.
Tarnished image of the United States as a leader of the free world.

Tunisia and Egypt Uprisings

Tunisia: protests sparked by desperation and outrage, leading to the ousting of President Ben Ali in January 2011.
Egypt: massive protests started on January 25, 2011, with the occupation of Tahrir Square, leading to the resignation of President Mubarak on February 11, 2011.
Key role of the army in both countries, with the Egyptian army siding with the people.

Libya and the NATO Intervention

UN Security Council allowed an operation to protect citizens, with an initial no-fly zone imposed above Libya.
Divisions within NATO on the goals of the intervention, with France and Great Britain pushing for regime change.
The US did not want to commit to a leading role, fearing the perception of attacking another Muslim country.
NATO's overstepping of the UN Resolution boundaries led to tensions within the coalition and with other permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Aftermath and Rise of Radical Groups

Chaos ensued in Libya after the fall of Tripoli, with different rebel factions fighting for power and Islamic fighters finding shelter.
Libya became a breeding ground for Al Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Syria provided an example of the international community's inaction, motivating conservative Muslims to believe that violence is the only way to achieve their goals.
ISIS, founded in 1999, expanded in Syria and Iraq, attracting foreign fighters and eventually establishing a Caliphate in Mosul on June 29, 2014.

Post-Mubarak Egypt

Muslim Brotherhood won parliamentary elections in January and presidential elections in June 2012
Morsi was elected President, but his attempts to expand presidential power led to mass protests and military intervention
Military gave Morsi an ultimatum on July 1st, 2013, and he was imprisoned and sentenced to death after refusing to comply

Arab Dictators and US Policy

Arab dictators were seen as preferential to possible alternatives, including radical Islamists and regimes supporting the Palestinian cause
US wanted to see a transition to liberal democracy, but also saw Mubarak as a loyal ally who had assisted in supporting Israel

Unrest in North Africa and Refugee Crisis

Unrest in North Africa led to a refugee crisis, with many attempting to flee across the Mediterranean to Italy or France

US Foreign Policy and the Middle East

US foreign policy in the Middle East was criticized for supporting dictators and not addressing poverty and human rights issues
Unconditional support of Israel was seen as a contributing factor to unrest in the region

War on Terrorism

US focused on getting rid of terrorism around the world, concentrating on countries deemed to support terrorist groups or activities
Terrorism became the new communism, justifying actions in different areas of the world
Countries like Russia and China used the fight against terrorism to justify actions against internal opposition and regionalist groups

Afghanistan War

Initial success in Afghanistan, with the coalition quickly overtaking the capital and Kandahar by December 2001
Bin Laden and Al Qaeda escaped to Pakistan, where Bin Laden was eventually found and killed in 2011
Taliban resurgence began in 2006, supplemented by foreign fighters
US focus on Iraq led to a deterioration in the situation in Afghanistan
Afghanization of the war under Obama, with a temporary increase in troops and eventual withdrawal

Iraq War

Iraq mostly consists of Shia Muslims, with Sunni Muslims in the west and Kurdish population in the north
Saddam's rule privileged Sunni Muslims, but Shia Muslims took power after his fall
Disgruntled Sunni Muslims organized and started attacking Shia Muslims, joining Al Qaeda to hurt the Shia and try to get rid of the Americans
Al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian high-profile member of Al Qaeda, set up a large movement in Iraq, laying the seeds for what would later become IS
Surge and withdrawal of US forces, with local tribal attacks on Al-Qaeda and a new US strategy to gain confidence from the local population

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Description

Learn about the history of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, its transformation into the Islamic State of Iraq, and the rise of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as its leader. Understand the impact of the American surge in Iraq and the group's resurgence.