ISIS and affiliate groups have had immense influence on security situations globally. Syria’s situation in particular, exacerbated the current and ongoing conflict, and its presence poses a direct danger to stability, implying potential assaults on US interests overseas. Destabilization in Syria allows for extremist organizations like ISIS to grow, and hence has increased the possibilities of growing terrorism.
Situations regarding acts of terrorism allow for new threats to emerge. The group continues to conduct military operations and counter-attacks, which are countered by security campaigns from Coalition forces and their partner, the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), in areas under SDF control. The efforts to curb conflict situations have been dubious, as seen by Afghanistan’s difficult peace talks involving several terrorist organizations. The US has struggled to address the roots of this extremism, which is why there is a persistent feeling of instability, especially in regards to national and international security. Sources suggest that, while ISIS has been mildly contained, it still remains a threat to us, and state terrorism from regimes such as Assad’s or even Iran’s authoritarian government is ever-increasing. The quarterly Operation Inherent Resolve report discusses the threat presented by the growth of the Islamic State (IS), as its growth has caused a divide in the jihadist movement, with both factions fighting for power. While Al Qaeda targets the United States and its allies, IS prioritizes creating an Islamic state in the Middle East.
The varying tactics have separated the threat profiles: Al Qaeda targets the United States, whereas IS primarily targets regional regimes it considers apostate. Both use their own techniques to achieve their objectives; Al Qaeda prefers large-scale operations and IS emphasizes territory control. Yet, both share a commonality to up their influence by gaining support from worldwide affiliates.
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